Correlation between vehicular traffic and heavy metal concentrations in road sediments of Bogotá, Colombia

Introduction: Diseases such as asthma and lung cancer are associated with heavy traffic in urban areas. A deep understanding of the pollutants generated by road traffic is relevant to public health control. Objective: To analyze the correlation between vehicular traffic intensity and heavy metal concentrations in road sediments in the city of Bogota, Colombia. Materials and methods: A descriptive observational study was performed. The degree of road pollution was assessed based on reference legislation for the protection of human health (inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact). Heavy metal concentrations (lead, zinc and copper) were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Regression models between traffic intensity and metal concentrations were developed. Results: The size fraction