Multifractal analysis to characterize urban surface dust volume-size distribution

Abstract The amount of ubiquitous urban environment surface dust with high contaminants is directly correlated with the degree of harm to the human body. This paper discusses the surface dust grain-size distribution characteristics by utilizing the multifractal model. The results indicate that urban surface dust particle distribution is a scattered distribution. Renyi-dimension spectra curves of dust are either nearly sigma shaped (q ≥ 0), or they follow a quasi-linear variation (q > 0). The Renyi dimensions (D(q)) and pH were found to have significance correlation. No relationship was found between D(q) and Arsenic (As). When q > 0, organic matter (OM) and Mercury (Hg) are positively correlated with Renyi dimensions. However, OM and Hg are not correlated with D(q) when q ≥ 0. The use of this multifractal model could be considered a way to express the contaminant level in dust. It may be taken into consideration in environment management strategies.