Nuisance Dust particles have emerged as a significant environmental concern within the Middle Eastern region. The principal aim of this research was to conduct an extensive investigation into the physical and chemical attributes of Dust-fall particles located within the city of Sulaymaniyah, northeastern Iraq. Over a period of six months, a total of 72 Dust-fall particle samples were systematically gathered from three distinct stations, with intervals of seven days. In addition to quantitative analysis, this study included detailed morphological examinations and mineralogical composition assessments, facilitated through the application of analytical methodologies, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The outcomes of these analytical procedures revealed predominantly irregular shapes of the Dust particles, characterized by the presence of quartz and calcite minerals, confirming their natural origin due to wind-driven erosion originating from the arid desert landscapes of Iraq and its neighboring southern and western countries. Moreover, this investigation extended to encompass a comprehensive evaluation of both water-soluble and insoluble fractions, in addition to the overall concentration levels of alkali and alkaline earth metals including sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Furthermore, the levels of heavy metals of manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and arsenic (As) were investigated. The extent of pollution associated with these elements was assessed through the application of the Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) which revealed that, during the study, calcium, magnesium, and copper demonstrated noticeable levels of contamination within the Dust-fall particles of Sulaymaniyah city.

The purpose of this study was to evaluated the origin of the heavy metals amongst nuisance Dust particles in Sanandaj, Khorrmabad and Andimeshk cities located in different latitudes in western Iran for the Dustiest year during last decade. Samples of Dust-fall particles were collected with 10 days intervals from these three cities for the duration of June 2012 to July 2013 using Deposit Gauge Method. Concentration of the heavy metals including iron, manganese, zinc, copper, arsenic, chromium, silver, nickel, lead and cadmium were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The Quantification of Contamination index (QC) was applied to evaluate the origin of heavy metals among Dust-fall particles collected in three stations. The results revealed that the annual mean rate of Dust-fall was 1.73, 2.66 and 3.37 g/m2 per 10 days for Sanandaj, Khorramabad and Andimeshk, respectively. The highest and the lowest amount of Dust-fall were obtained for July and February, respectively, while Fe had the highest concentration among the metals studied. The temperature and wind speed were found to be the most correlated meteorological parameters to Dust-fall content throughout the three stations. According to QC index; Ag, Cu, Cd, As, Pb, Mn and Zn (except Pb and Mn for Andimeshk) were derived mainly from similar origins such as anthropogenic activities but the increased values of Fe, Ni, and Cr were ascribed to natural processes. Furthermore, Cu had the highest correlation with other heavy metals measured and was determined the most stable metal amongst Dust-fall particles for the three studied stations.

Background: Urban and inDustrial development has increased the concentration of heavy metals in various environments, and also, increased their amount in Dust fall particles. The aim of this study was to determine and assess the risk of heavy metals in air Dust fall particles. Methods: Sampling of air Dust fall particles was performed using the British model Dust Fall Jar devices. Heavy metals concentrations in the samples were determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer device. Then, the risk assessment of heavy metals in air Dust fall was calculated by three indicators including enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and integrated pollution index (IPI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Excel 2016 software. Results: Zn was the most abundant heavy metal. The results of EF index showed that the highest degree of enrichment of Dust fall particles with heavy metals is related to Ag and the lowest one is related to Cr. Also, the changes of Mean of both Igeo and IP indicators were as Ag > Pb > Zn > Cd > Cu > Co > Cr. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that Cr metal is originated from the earth and other metals are of man-made origin and are mainly due to the emissions of vehicles and inDustries. Also, on average, the samples had very low pollution in relation to all metals. Although the amount of pollution caused by heavy metals has not exceeded the allowable limits, but considering inDustrial development programs in the region, continuous measures to control air pollution caused by inDustries, are absolutely necessary.