Preliminary assessment of selected heavy metals in indoor dust in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang / Naqiatul Intan Farhain Bakri

Most people spend their time doing indoor activities. Unknowingly, high concentrations of indoor pollutants might affect the occupants' health. The aims of this study are to assess the composition of selected heavy metals in indoor dust samples collected from selected locations in UiTM Pahang and to identify the possible source of the selected heavy metals in the indoor dust samples whether natural or anthropogenic. The dust sample was collected in classroom at Block Cendana (Cl-03), Makmal Kimia 1 (MK 1) and hostel room in Kolej Mat Kilau based on the frequency of the rooms to be occupied by students. The selected heavy metals studied are iron (Fe), zinc (Zinc) and copper (Cu). After digestion using HNO3 and HC1O4, the samples were analyzed by using PerkinElmer Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (F-AAS). The highest concentration of the selected heavy metals is dominated by Fe with 37591.78±174.71 µgg-1 followed by Zn with 23473.50±447.06 µgg- I , and Cu with 142.84±3.95 µgg-1 . The overall concentration of heavy metal were found to be arranged in order of Fe>Zn>Cu. The enrichment factor (EF) calculated showed that the heavy metals determined in indoor dust were contributed by natural (soil) sources. Zn was found to have the highest enrichment value in indoor dust collected from Makmal Kimia 1. The accumulation of these inorganic substances in indoor dust may be contributed from road dust and automobile emission that has polluted the soil. It can be transported into indoor environment by wind blowing and through improper ventilation. It is recommended that a wide range of heavy metals and more sampling sites should be studied and a proper monitoring program should be implemented.