Characterization of airborne particles in an open pit mining region

We characterized airborne particle samples collected from 15 stations in operation since 2007 in one of the world's largest opencast coal mining regions. Using gravimetric, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis the samples were characterized in terms of concentration, morphology, particle size distribution (PSD), and elemental composition. All of the total suspended particulate (TSP) samples exhibited a log-normal PSD with a mean of d = 5.46 ± 0.32 μm and σ(ln d) = 0.61 ± 0.03. Similarly, all particles with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM10) exhibited a log-normal type distribution with a mean of d = 3.6 ± 0.38 μm and σ(ln d) = 0.55 ± 0.03. XPS analysis indicated that the main elements present in the particles were carbon, oxygen, potassium, and silicon with average mass concentrations of 41.5%, 34.7%, 11.6%, and 5.7% respectively. In SEM micrographs the particles appeared smooth-surfaced and irregular in shape, and tended to agglomerate. The particles were typically clay minerals, including limestone, calcite, quartz, and potassium feldspar.

► Airborne particles from an opencast mining region were fully characterized. ► SEM-EDS and XPS techniques were applied to characterize airborne particles ► Particle size distributions of TSP and PM10 are lognormal ► Particles are composed of limestone, calcite, quartz, and potassium feldspar ► Heavy metals content in the particles does not represent any risk to human health