Metal concentrations in recent ash fall of Popocatepetl volcano 2016, Central Mexico: Is human health at risk?

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety Vol. 162; pp. 324 - 333
• Main Authors: Shruti, V.C., Rodríguez-Espinosa, P.F., Martinez-Tavera, E., Hernández-Gonzalez, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 30.10.2018
• Subjects: Adult; Ash samples; Child; Cities; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants - analysis; Geochemical indices; Human health risk assessment; Humans; Metals; Metals, Heavy - analysis; Mexico; Popocatepetl volcano; Potential ecological risk index; Risk Assessment; Trace Elements; Volcanic Eruptions - analysis; Geochemical indices; Potential ecological risk index; Ash samples; Metals; Human health risk assessment; Mexico; Popocatepetl volcano
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.06.067

The present study addresses the metal concentration pattern and associated human health risks in ash samples of Popocatepetl volcano. In this regard, 12 ash samples from different regions of Puebla City were collected and analyzed for 28 major and trace metals, out of which exclusively 8 metals of potential risk (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb & Zn) were selected for human health risk validation. The metal concentration pattern showed an enriching trend for ferromagnesium and carbonate elements compared to previous ash eruptions. Enrichment factor and geoaccumulation indices displayed a least significant enhancement of metals from baseline concentrations. More likely, the potential ecological risk index suggested no harmful biological effects due to the presence of these metals in ash. Concurrently, in the human health risk assessment model, the hazard quotient and hazard index values < 1 indicated safe levels and no carcinogenic effects. All-inclusive, this study highlights the context of metals in ash fall of Popocatepetl which presents no adverse effects over the human population. [Display omitted] •Metal concentrations in volcanic ash samples of Popocatepetl from Puebla City, Central Mexico.•Identifying the pattern and enrichment of geochemical elements in ashfall.•Evaluation of human health risk associated with exposure to metals in the volcanic ashfall.