Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4429551 | Science of The Total Environment | 2012 | 8 Pages |
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