Exposure to Particulate Matter in Different Regions along a Road Network, Jharia Coalfield, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India

Abstract

Occupational particulate matter (PM) concentrations were measured during November 2014 along a road network in the mining and non-mining areas at Jharia coalfield, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India. The monitoring was conducted for a week in the peak time using a portable GRIMM (model 1.109) aerosol spectrometer. Measured PM was designated as inhalable, thoracic and alveolic particles for aerodynamic diameter 10- 34, 4-10 and less than 4 m respectively. The main sources of PM along the roadside in the study area were mining operations as well as heavy traffic and resuspension of road dust. Concentration of inhalable particles was maximum at Bankmore (BMO), whereas concentration of thoracic and alveolic particles was maximum at Katrasmore (KMO) in the mining area. Concentration of all three types of particles was minimum at the Indian School of Mines in the non-mining area. The distribution curves of inhalable particles were positively skewed and platykurtic in nature, whereas for thoracic and alveolic particles these curves were positively skewed at all locations, except BMO and also platykurtic in nature, except Godhar (GDR). Contribution of alveoli particle sizes for 0.375 and 2.750 μm was observed to be significant in the mining area, whereas thoracic particle size for 5.750 μm and inhalable particle size for 22.500 μm were also observed to be higher in the mining area, except Matkuria check post and Kustaur. The results reveal that residents and local passengers were exposed to a prodigious amount of inhalable, thoracic and alveolic concentrations in the mining area, mostly at BMO, GDR and KMO.