The chemical composition of fine fractions (<63
μm) of street dust in Nagoya City, central Japan, is examined to obtain information on the nonpoint pollution load of river and sewer systems in urban areas. The results show that the fine fractions of street dust have more C, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, P, Cr, Zn, Sb, As, Hf, and Au than hypothetical background level. Additionally, Ti and Co are also derived significantly from anthropogenic sources. Among these “enriched elements”, C, Ca, P, Zn and Ti are likely derived from tire and asphalt dusts, whereas Fe, Mn, Co and possibly Cr appear to be incorporated into street dust as iron alloy particles. These metallic iron particles are also considered to be derived from parts of vehicles such as their bodies and brake disks.
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