Heavy Metal Concentrations in Particulate Matter: A Case Study from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 2022

This study investigates the concentrations and spatial distribution of heavy metals in atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, during 2022. A total of 30 air samples were collected across diverse urban environments using portable low-volume samplers. Elemental analysis was performed via energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) to quantify levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn. Due to a high proportion of left-censored values, regression on order statistics (ROS) was employed to impute data below detection limits. The highest mean concentrations in both PM fractions were observed for Cu and Zn, indicating significant anthropogenic contributions, while V and Fe displayed marked spatial variability. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested potential source groupings linked to traffic and industrial emissions. This work provides critical baseline data for urban air quality management in the region and highlights the need for expanded environmental monitoring to mitigate health risks associated with airborne heavy metals.