Abstract
Fugitive dust samples collected from residential properties in the village of Lattimer, Pennsylvania were analyzed for total concentrations of major and minor elements Si, Al, Ti, Fe, Mg, Na, K, C, and S using energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry. Observed under high magnification, the individual dust particles are irregular-shaped with angular edges and range in size from 20 to 150 microns. Rock samples of gray to black organic-rich mudstone, shale, and siltstone units interbedded with thin layers of anthracite coal were collected next to a rock quarry operation that is suspected as a possible source of the fugitive dust. Major and minor element concentrations in the rock samples are compared to major and minor element concentrations in 150 individual dust particles. The fugitive dust and rock samples that were analyzed have Si concentrations that vary from 0.08 to 43.34 wt.% and C concentrations that vary from 3.36 to 95.68 wt.%. All of the major and minor element concentrations in the rock samples lie within the representative range of element concentrations in the individual dust particles. The Si and C concentrations in the fugitive dust suggest that the particles originated from a carbon-rich silicate rock source. Five of the fugitive dust particles analyzed had C concentrations in excess of 60 wt.% and can be considered coal dust. Results suggest that the chemical composition of the fugitive dust particles is consistent with the chemical composition of the rocks that are actively extracted and crushed at the rock quarry site located adjacent to the village of Lattimer, Pennsylvania.
Highlights
Fugitive dust is a type of fugitive particular matter (PM) that is generated from open spaces exposed to wind processes rather than from sources of combustion that have passed through a vent or stack before being released into the air
These observations are consistent with fugitive dust particle morphology expected from rock quarrying and crushing activities that generate angular shards and fragmented particles
The Si and C concentrations in the fugitive dust suggest that the particles originated from a carbon-rich silicate rock source
Summary
Fugitive dust is a type of fugitive particular matter (PM) that is generated from open spaces exposed to wind processes rather than from sources of combustion that have passed through a vent or stack before being released into the air. Common sources of fugitive dust are construction and demolition sites, surface mines and rock quarry sites, unpaved roads, vacant lots, and agricultural areas [1,2]. The fugitive dust resulting from these open area examples are composed mainly of soil and minerals that contain Si, Al, Fe, and Ca, but may contain pollen, spores, or particles of rubber from tires [3,4]. The aerodynamic diameter of fugitive dust can range in size from 0.005 to 100 μm [5]. Fugitive dust typically originates and remains at or near ground level where its impact on the surrounding environment and human health is greatest [6]. Fugitive dust can reduce visibility causing potential hazards for traffic. After the dust has settled, it poses a nuisance by coating homes, yards, and businesses
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