Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Snow Samples Collected at Various Distances from Road Sections: Case Study Jelgava

The increasing flow of traffic passing through cities on a daily basis, especially those cities that have a difficult situation with bypass, raises concerns about the air quality in sections of the transport corridors, as well as in the city as a whole. Heavy metal pollution is a serious environmental concern, especially in urban and suburban areas where vehicle emissions contribute to air and soil pollution. The aim of the study is to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination in snow samples collected at different distances from roads in different areas of the city. Snow samples were collected from different distances (1 m; 50 m, 100 m) from the roadway to analyze the spatial distribution of heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn). Heavy metal concentrations were measured using the analytical method - inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The results revealed different levels of heavy metal pollution, with higher concentrations observed closer to the roadway compared to further away from the roadway. The maximum concentrations of chromium (15.4 µg/l), copper (63.6 µg/l), lead (19.5 µg/l) and zinc (419.2 µg/l) were observed at a distance of 1 m from the roadway. This spatial analysis provides valuable insight into the impact of vehicle emissions on heavy metal pollution and highlights the importance of mitigation measures to improve air quality and reduce environmental risks in urban environments.