The effect of dust emissions from open storage piles to particle ambient concentration and human exposure

The current study focus on the determination of dust emissions from piles in open storage yards of a municipal solid waste (MSW) composting site and the subsequent atmospheric dust dispersion. The ISC3-ST (Industrial Source Complex Version 3 – Short Term) model was used for the evaluation of the PM10 ambient concentrations associated with the dispersion of MSW compost dust emissions in air. Dust emission rates were calculated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency proposed dust resuspension formulation from open storage piles using local meteorological data. The dispersion modelling results on the spatial distribution of PM10 source depletion showed that the maximum concentrations were observed at a distance 25–75 m downwind of the piles in the prevailing wind direction. Sensitivity calculations were performed also to reveal the effect of the compost pile height, the friction velocity and the receptor height on the ambient PM10 concentration. It was observed that PM10 concentrations (downwind in the prevailing wind direction) increased with increasing the friction velocity, increasing the pile height (for distances greater than 125 m from the source) and decreasing the receptor height (for distances greater than 125 m from the source). Furthermore, the results of ISC3-ST were analysed with the ExDoM (Exposure Dose Model) human exposure model. The ExDoM is a model for calculating the human exposure and the deposition dose, clearance, and finally retention of aerosol particles in the human respiratory tract (RT). PM10 concentration at the composting site was calculated as the sum of the concentration from compost pile dust resuspension and the background concentration. It was found that the exposure to PM10 and deposited lung dose for an adult Caucasian male who is not working at the composting site is less by 20–74% and 29–84%, respectively, compared to those for a worker exposed to PM concentrations at the composting site.

► Dust emissions and dispersion from MSW open storage compost piles were calculated. ► Maximum PM10 concentrations occur at distances 25–75 m downwind from the source. ► Compost dust PM10 concentrations exceed the 24 h health protection standard (25–275 m). ► PM10 exposure of compost workers is 1.2–3.8 more than of the population in the area. ► PM10 lung dose of compost worker is 1.4–6.2 more than of the population in the area.