Airborne Dust Research Articles

The Effects of Mist Cannon Trucks on Human Health and Reducing Dust

More and more attention has been paid to dust removal by Mist Cannon Trucks (MCT). It is necessary to study the effect and influencing factors of dust removal by MCT. This study discusses the effectiveness and hazards of using MCT to reduce airborne dust by conducting lead testing, color identification, pH testing, and chlorine testing on collected samples. The results show that dust can be significantly reduced by MCT, and the effect of fog cannon decreases with the increase of distance. The MCT is currently safe for pedestrians because it has very few corrosive and toxic substances, and the lead content is also very low, which is below the safe value. At the same time, the sprayed water captured a lot of dust compared to the water in the tank. The main harm to the human body is the excessive lead content in water..

Vibrational energy transmission in underground continuous mining: Dynamic characteristics and experimental research of field data

Respirable dust exposure is a serious health and safety risk for coal mine workers, with the potential for disabling and fatal conditions. Airborne dust particle concentrations must be reduced through new methods of filtration or capture to reduce this risk, and most mining jurisdictions have legal requirements for respirable dust exposure. As this research area receives growing attention, there is an increased need for fully coupled model development and experiments based on field data to quantify the filtering characteristics, with a focus on the scrubber-mesh system and continuous miner machine. Our previous research has demonstrated that vibrating mesh screens can improve dust collection efficiency. While the vibrating mesh approach has been demonstrated to be effective, the main technical challenge is determining how to provide vibration to the scrubber mesh screen at specific frequency and amplitude levels. We present a novel approach to improving dust filtration by transmission of mechanical vibrations generated by the continuous miner machine during coal mining to the mesh filter. The study's specific goal is to harvest natural vibrations inherent in underground mining equipment and translate them to levels suitable for optimal vibration of the mesh panel. The study first collects vibration data from an underground coal mine's operating continuous miner and analyzes it to identify the most stable vibration spectrums that can be used as an input to the energy transmission system. Multiphysics modeling, based on three-phase computation fluid dynamics, is presented that uses resonance condition to harvest operational vibrations of the continuous miner. Resonance occurs when the natural frequency of the scrubber-mesh system matches the continuous miner's vibration frequency, significantly increasing the amplitude of scrubber-mesh vibrations. The study intends to use this energy transmission system to improve the dust collection efficiency of the flooded-bed dust scrubber, reduce clogging, and reduce the need for frequent panel replacements. Our findings indicate that vibration resonance-based energy transmission is a promising technique for significantly improving the dust collection efficiency of flooded-bed mesh scrubbers, with important implications for the development of self-powered and sustainable systems. This novel approach has significant implications for mining industry occupational health and safety.

Fine Particulate Matter Reduction through Crop Surface Adsorption in an Agricultural Field Using the Coefficient Derived from Wind Tunnel Experiments

Fine dust can have serious effects on human health and crop growth. Fodder crops can reduce airborne dust by coagulating soil particles and reducing wind speed on the surface and have the effect of reducing fine dust by adsorbing it on the crop surface. In this study, the dust reduction coefficient of crops was derived through a self-manufactured wind tunnel experiment to quantitatively assess the dust reduction effect of crops by type and planting density. Additionally, a dust reduction formula considering crop growth and weather conditions during the cultivation period was derived. The dust reduction coefficient was measured by the gravimetric method and the real-time size distribution of dust concentration before and after the crop. The PM reduction coefficient showed triticale at PM-2.5 82.2 mg/m3, PM-10 120 mg/m3, and barley at PM-2.5 14.5 mg/m3, PM-10 26.9 mg/m3 under moderate planting density. During the general planting density cultivation period of triticale and barley, PM-10 was reduced by 37.8 kg/ha and 8.5 kg/ha, respectively, and PM-2.5 was reduced by 25.9 kg/ha and 4.6 kg/ha. The dust reduction effect during the cultivation period was up to 126.1 kg/ha in terms of PM-10 when triticale was cultivated with densely sowing planting density.

Construction and demolition waste in cement matrices as sinkholes of atmospheric pollution: Effect of the 2022 airborne dust in the Iberian Peninsula

The coincidence of a study on different ecocements to environmental exposition in Madrid (Spain) with the airborne dust from the Sahara desert in the same location, during the year 2022, facilitated the knowledge of the ecocement permeability to different sources of contamination. In general, mortars with a siliceous composition are more compact and less permeable to environmental particles compared to those with a calcareous composition. Binary mortars with glass have an intermediate response to pollutants and the most favorable for the incidence of contamination are ternary sulfoaluminate cements. The analysis of the ions penetration in the different cements studied has been followed by XRF, XRD-Rietveld and SEM/EDX analyses.

A review on sustainable utilization of red mud based photocatalytic material for environmental pollution abetment

The inventory of the solid waste produced from Aluminium industries (Bauxite Residue) otherwise called red mud stands at an estimated amount of 4 billion tons globally owing to its current generation. So, to reduce the impact on environment, its safe disposal is posing a great threat to eco-friendly atmosphere and its utilization is must for environmental sustainability. High alkalinity nature and airborne dust emissions may posse threat to flora and fauna, but the mineral composition of red mud and red mud derived products found to be a promising material for the utilization in the field of environmental pollution remediation. The high content of largely inert components such as hematite that can be extracted and gives credibility to the idea that red mud can be used as a potential candidate in the field of photo catalysis. This review explores novel methods for treating red mud and extracting minerals, not only provide value to waste but also demonstrated reduced red mud can be used as effective catalyst in environmental abatement. Modification of red mud, extraction of valuable iron oxides creates a novel opportunity for efficient removal of toxic metals, dyes, inorganic and organic pollutants in the cost-effective method and maintains sustainability.

The Development of METAL-WRF Regional Model for the Description of Dust Mineralogy in the Atmosphere

The mineralogical composition of airborne dust particles is an important but often neglected parameter for several physiochemical processes, such as atmospheric radiative transfer and ocean biochemistry. We present the development of the METAL-WRF module for the simulation of the composition of desert dust minerals in atmospheric aerosols. The new development is based on the GOCART-AFWA dust module of WRF-Chem. A new wet deposition scheme has been implemented in the dust module alongside the existing dry deposition scheme. The new model includes separate prognostic fields for nine (9) minerals: illite, kaolinite, smectite, calcite, quartz, feldspar, hematite, gypsum, and phosphorus, derived from the GMINER30 database and also iron derived from the FERRUM30 database. Two regional model sensitivity studies are presented for dust events that occurred in August and December 2017, which include a comparison of the model versus elemental dust composition measurements performed in the North Atlantic (at Izaña Observatory, Tenerife Island) and in the eastern Mediterranean (at Agia Marina Xyliatos station, Cyprus Island). The results indicate the important role of dust minerals, as dominant aerosols, for the greater region of North Africa, South Europe, the North Atlantic, and the Middle East, including the dry and wet depositions away from desert sources. Overall, METAL-WRF was found to be capable of reproducing the relative abundances of the different dust minerals in the atmosphere. In particular, the concentration of iron (Fe), which is an important element for ocean biochemistry and solar absorption, was modeled in good agreement with the corresponding measurements at Izaña Observatory (22% overestimation) and at Agia Marina Xyliatos site (4% overestimation). Further model developments, including the implementation of newer surface mineralogical datasets, e.g., from the NASA-EMIT satellite mission, can be implemented in the model to improve its accuracy.

Production of pro-inflammatory mediators stimulated by exposure of poultry house workers to airborne dust particulates.

Poultry house employees spend a significant part of their work shift being exposed to airborne particulate pollutants. The aim of this study was to assess their exposure at different stages of chicken production cycle, based on quantification of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα) in nasal lavage (NAL) samples. The concentrations of airborne dust at 3 different stages of the production cycle (i.e. empty poultry house, with 7- and 42-day-old chickens) were stationary measured using Grimm spectrometer, as well as CIS and Button samplers. The dust collected by the latter 2 samplers was analyzed for endotoxin and (1→3)-β-D-glucan content. NAL samples were collected from employees after their work shift to determine the pro-inflammatory mediator levels. The maximum particulate aerosol, endotoxin, and (1→3)-β-D-glucan concentrations at workplaces reached the levels of 4.12mg/m3, 45.21 ng/m3, and 56.54 ng/m3, respectively. The IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 concentrations in NAL samples ranged between 0.62-18.12 pg/mL, <0.70-25.37 pg/mL, and <3.50-259.5 pg/mL, respectively. All TNFα levels were below 4pg/mL. There were no significant differences between these cytokine concentrations in NAL samples collected at different stages of chicken breeding in either 'winter' or 'summer' seasons. Inhalation stimulation with poultry dust containing endotoxins and (1→3)-β-D-glucans resulted in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, which proves the course of immunological processes in the exposed employees that may lead to adverse effects. The use of nasal lavage fluid in the control of such exposure confirms that NAL analysis is a reliable laboratory tool for assessing the impact of poultry dust on exposed farm workers.

Airborne dust pollution emitted by El Hadjar Metallurgical Complex: quantification, characterization, and occupational health hazards

Airborne dust pollution emitted by El Hadjar Metallurgical Complex: quantification, characterization, and occupational health hazards

A critical study on detection of pollution level of overhead insulators by measuring pH and conductivity of the contaminants

The flow of electric power requires overhead insulators to maintain a safe distance between charged conductors and supporting structures. These insulators are installed in outdoor locations and are hence subjected to a variety of adverse environmental conditions, such as airborne dust and other contaminants. In moist conditions, these pollution factors can cause flashover, resulting in the loss of energy in the form of heat and light. Therefore, it is crucial to determine various types of contaminants based on geographical conditions and analyze their effects on the insulation capabilities of these insulators. This research work analyzes the accumulation of certain contaminants on the insulators installed at various geographical locations. Experimental approaches for detecting the level of contamination of insulators have also been examined, along with their limitations. Moreover, the findings of pollution tests performed in industrial, coastal, desert, inland, agricultural, and biological areas are presented as well. The flash-over voltage (FOV) of disc insulators made of porcelain for various pH and conductivity values has been observed to correlate FOV with pH and conductivity values of the pollutants. The pH and conductivity of contaminants are crucial factors impacting the insulator's flashover voltage, which is influenced by surrounding atmospheric conditions. Understanding the composition and monitoring these parameters can aid in developing preventive maintenance programs based on specified pH values, ensuring the reliability and performance of overhead insulators.

Probing Dust and Water in Martian Atmosphere with Far-Infrared Frequency Spacecraft Occultation

Airborne dust plays an active role in determining the thermal structure and chemical composition of the present-day atmosphere of Mars and possibly the planet’s climate evolution over time through radiative–convective and cloud microphysics processes. Thus, accurate measurements of the distribution and variability of dust are required. Observations from the Mars Global Surveyor/Thermal Emission Spectrometer Mars Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter/Mars Climate Sounder and Mars Express/Fourier Transform Spectrometer and the Curiosity Rover have limited capability to measure dust. We show that spacecraft occultation of the Martian atmosphere at far-infrared frequencies between 1 and 10 THz can provide the needed global and temporal data on atmospheric dust by providing co-located measurements of temperature and dust opacity from the top of the atmosphere all the way down to the surface. In addition, spacecraft occultation by a small-satellite constellation could provide global measurements of the development of dust storms.

The occurrence and contamination of optrA-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from duck farms in Guangdong, China

Staphylococcus aureus, especially methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is an important zoonotic microorganism that increasingly causes public health concern worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and transmission of S. aureus in duck farms and evaluate its antimicrobial resistance and genetic characteristics. The samples associated with ducks, feeders, and the environment were collected on 14 duck farms from four areas in Guangdong, China, from 2020 to 2021. All isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A comprehensive epidemiological survey of S. aureus was conducted by S. aureus protein A typing and whole-genome sequencing. A total of 560 samples were collected. The prevalence rate of MRSA among ducks (8.1%, 11 of 135) was higher compared with that in environmental samples. OptrA-positive ST398-t034 MRSA were first detected from duck farms in China. A total of 79.3% (34 of 46) S. aureus isolates showed multidrug-resistant phenotypes. Notably, some isolates carried multidrug-resistant genes encoding macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, pleuromutilin-pleuromutilin-streptogramin A, and oxazolidinone. Analysis of the virulence genes revealed that the MRSA isolates carried genes encoding gamma-hemolysin, enterotoxin, and leukocidin. ST9-t899 is a primary clonal lineage among duck- and environment-associated MRSA. Single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis showed the potential contamination relationship of optrA-positive ST2308 MRSA isolates carrying the gamma-hemolysin genes and the leukocidin virulence genes between airborne dust and sick ducks. The contamination of MRSA, especially optrA-positive MRSA, between food animals and the environment is a growing public health concern worldwide. Based on One Health principles, continuous surveillance of MRSA is urgently needed.

Soiling mitigation potential of glass coatings and tracker routines in the desert climate of Saudi Arabia

AbstractHigh levels of airborne dust, frequent dust storms and infrequent rain events are some of the reasons why soiling can drastically reduce the energy yield of photovoltaic modules in desert areas. There are ongoing and increasing efforts to identify appropriate and economically feasible strategies that can be used to mitigate soiling in deserts. Both innovative tracking with adapted resting positions during night and anti‐soiling coatings (ASCs) are considered as potential solutions to reduce soiling. In this study, the individual mitigation potential of both ASC and tracking routines as well as the combination of the two approaches are investigated. For this, outdoor exposure tests were carried out in desert region of Saudi Arabia. Coated and uncoated glass samples were tested in different tilt configurations: fixed, 1‐axis tracking with horizontal stowage (facing the sky) and 1‐axis tracking with vertical stowage during the night. Both methods indicate significant soiling reductions, especially for the combined solution of ASC and tracking with vertical night stowage, where soiling losses can be reduced by up to 85%. In addition, it has been shown that the relative ASC performance can be improved when using vertical night stowage compared to fixed tilt or standard 1‐axis tracking scenarios.

Stochastic soiling loss models for heliostats in Concentrating Solar Power plants

Reflectance losses on solar mirrors due to soiling are a significant challenge for Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants. Soiling losses can vary significantly from site to site — with (absolute) reflectance losses varying from fractions of a percentage point up to several percentage points per day (pp/day), a fact that has motivated several studies in soiling predictive modelling. Yet, existing studies have so far neglected the characterization of statistical uncertainty in their parameters and predictions. In this paper, two reflectance loss models are proposed that model uncertainty: an extension of a previously developed physical model and a simplified model. A novel uncertainty characterization enables Maximum Likelihood Estimation techniques for parameter estimation for both models, and permits the estimation of parameter (and prediction) confidence intervals.The models are applied to data from ten soiling campaigns conducted at three Australian sites (Brisbane, Mount Isa, Wodonga). The simplified model produces high-quality predictions of soiling losses on novel data, while the semi-physical model performance is mixed. The statistical distributions of daily losses were estimated for different dust loadings. Under median conditions, the daily soiling losses for Brisbane, Mount Isa, and Wodonga are estimated as 0.53±0.66, 0.08±0.08, and 0.58±0.15 pp/day, respectively. Yet, higher observed dust loadings can drive average losses as high as 2 pp/day.Overall, the results suggest a relatively simple approach characterizing the statistical distributions of soiling losses using airborne dust measurements and short reflectance monitoring campaigns.

Risk Influence of Some Environmental and Behavioral Factors on Air Contamination in the Operating Room: An Experimental Study.

Air contamination in operating rooms (ORs) depends on the conditions of the room and on activities therein performed. Methodologies of air quality assessment in ORs are often inadequately described in the scientific literature, and the time required for a change in status in air quality is never taken into account. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the state and the presence of human operators on air quality by implementing a precise measurement protocol that also took into account the time required for changes in the room to affect air pollution. As the main indicators of air pollution, bacterial load and concentration of airborne dust were measured. The results showed that: the use of surgical masks by operators in the OR did not significantly affect bacterial load within a distance of 2 m; keeping OR doors open did not induce a significant increase in bacterial load and of 5 μm particles while 10 μm particles concentration was positively affected; and air pollution measured with open doors was not significantly different from that due to the presence of two staff members, whether or not they were wearing masks. The results clarified the role of some factors on air pollution in ORs.

Infrared optical signature reveals the source–dependency and along–transport evolution of dust mineralogy as shown by laboratory study

Advancing knowledge of the mineralogical composition of dust is key for understanding and predicting its climate and environmental impacts. The variability of dust mineralogy from one source to another and its evolution during atmospheric transport is not measured at large scale. In this study we use laboratory measurements to demonstrate that the extinction signature of suspended dust aerosols in the 740 − 1250 cm−1 atmospheric window can be used to derive dust mineralogy in terms of the main infrared − active minerals, namely quartz, clays, feldspars and calcite. Various spectral signatures in dust extinction enable to distinguish between multiple global sources with changing composition, whereas modifications of the dust extinction spectra with time inform on size − dependent particles mineralogy changes during transport. The present study confirms that spectral and hyperspectral infrared remote sensing observations offer great potential for elucidating the size − segregated mineralogy of airborne dust at regional and global scales.

Variation in the Ability of Various Tree Species to Capture Particulate Matter in Industrial and Urban Areas

There are several short- and long-term negative effects on human health caused by the well-known pollutant known as particulate matter (PM), which also significantly contributes to urban air pollution. Trees can act as a sustainable air purifying filter by adsorbing and absorbing tiny airborne dust. Their effectiveness is influenced by a number of variables, including particulate matter concentration and leaf features of tree species. In this study, the particulate matter capturing capacity of commonly grown 20 tree species were compared and the best tree species were chosen for the urban plantation to reduce particulate matter pollution. In this study, Ficus bengalensis (0.67 mg/cm2), Mangifera indica (0.61 mg/cm2), Polyalthia longifolia (0.57 mg/cm2), Tectona grandis (0.66 mg/cm2) and Terminalia catappa (0.63 mg/cm2) were found to be the best tree species among the 20 tree species and also it was confirmed that morphological characteristics of tree leaves plays an important role in capturing the particulate matter from the atmosphere. In conclusion, our findings may help in the selection of greening tree species with strong particulate matter purifying capacities for both industrial and urban areas.

Airborne soil and dust are potential sources of antimony to residents across Delhi: Exposure likely to occur via dermal route

BackgroundThere is an urgent need to assess sources of toxic metals in highly urbanized environments, to identify high risk areas for testing to enable planning to minimize exposure to residents. Notable toxic metals identified in this study were Antimony (Sb) and mercury (Hg), listed as priority pollutants by USEPA that can cause a variety of diseases in humans, and cobalt (Co), compounds of which have been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies. ObjectivesObjectives of this study were to measure the level and spatial distribution of toxic metals in roadside soil and road dust across a large area of Delhi. Toxic metals with notably high levels were identified and assessed for potential environmental exposure, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the population in the study area. Research methodsA sampling scheme was designed to collect soil from a wide range of roadside environments across the urban region of Delhi. The soil and dust fractions were separated and selected toxic metals extracted and analyzed on Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectroscopy (ICP–MS) adopting USEPA methodology. ResultsMean concentrations of Sb (2.62 and 3.59 in μgg−1) were 13 and 18 times higher than background level (0.2 μgg−1) in fine fractions of roadside soil and road dust, respectively in all areas sampled. The Hg and Co were moderately and minimally enriched in a fine fraction of soil and dust, respectively. The fine fraction of soil and dust showed a significant decrease in the Cu/Sb ratio compared to the coarse fraction suggesting an anthropogenic addition of Sb from vehicular brake pads. This study is the first of its type to calculate the cancer risk assessment of Sb from inhalation exposure. ConclusionMeasurements of Sb, Hg and Co in roadside soil and dust are mapped to highlight regions where testing of the population would be advisable. In addition, toxic levels of Sb may enter the human body via a dermal route and cause various diseases including diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus. Finally, our results suggest an immediate change to antimony free brake pads for all vehicles is recommended.

Frequent Allergic Sensitization to Farmed Edible Insects in Exposed Employees

Exposure to insects used in pet food, scientific research, or live fish bait can cause an occupational allergy. The recent shift toward enhanced insect production for human consumption and animal feed will likely expose more employees. To investigate sensitization and symptoms in employees exposed to edible insects in Flanders. Fifteen insect-exposed employees were recruited and sensitization was explored by skin prick test, basophil activation test, and immunoblotting. Lung function, FeNO, histamine provocation, and sputum induction were studied. Airborne dust sampling was performed and proteins were studied by silver stain and immunoblotting. Sixty percent of employees self-reported upper respiratory tract symptoms related to insect exposure. Ten employees (71.4%) had a positive histamine provocation test concentration causing a 20% drop in FEV1 less than 8 mg/mL and four (26.7%) had FeNO levels above 25 ppb. Four employees (30.7%) had a positive skin prick test for at least one insect, and seven (58.3%) had a positive basophil activation test. In eight participants with insect sensitization, four (50%) had co-occurring house dust mite sensitization. Two participants had strong IgE binding to a 50-kDa migratory locust allergen, one to a 25-kDa mealworm allergen, and one to mealworm α-amylase. In one center, facility adjustment resulted in a substantial decrease in the inhalable dust fraction. Insect exposure leads to high levels of sensitization among employees. Most employees reported symptoms of the upper respiratory system, and two-thirds of employees had bronchial hyperreactivity. Prevention and health surveillance will be important in the developing insect-rearing industry.

Formation of an unprecedented yellow snow episode in Xinjiang on December 1, 2018

On 1 December 2018, a heavy yellow snow fell in Urumqi (87°37′E, 43°47′N) — the largest city of northwest China's Xinjiang province, which was the first case that the yellow snow has been observed in winter. The air parcel trajectories obtained from Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model and the dust surface mass concentration from Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2) were adopted to identify the potential sources and transport paths of pollutants responsible for this yellow snow episode. The meteorological situation and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) forecast products have been utilized to analyze the supportive meteorological conditions. The results showed that the heavy snow in Urumqi was contaminated by the yellow dust originated in Karamay of Xinjiang province. The strong surface winds in Karamay lifted large amounts of dust into the atmosphere. Then the airborne dusts were transported to Urumqi rapidly by strong low-level winds, where precipitation in connection with the upper trough and the cold front lead to the yellow snow episode. This study can provide important scientific significance for predicting this kind of event (yellow snow).

Indoor Airborne Microbiome and Endotoxin: Meteorological Events and Occupant Characteristics Are Important Determinants.

Airborne bacteria and endotoxin may affect asthma and allergies. However, there is limited understanding of the environmental determinants that influence them. This study investigated the airborne microbiomes in the homes of 1038 participants from five cities in Northern Europe: Aarhus, Bergen, Reykjavik, Tartu, and Uppsala. Airborne dust particles were sampled with electrostatic dust fall collectors (EDCs) from the participants' bedrooms. The dust washed from the EDCs' clothes was used to extract DNA and endotoxin. The DNA extracts were used for quantitative polymerase chain (qPCR) measurement and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while endotoxin was measured using the kinetic chromogenic limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. The results showed that households in Tartu and Aarhus had a higher bacterial load and diversity than those in Bergen and Reykjavik, possibly due to elevated concentrations of outdoor bacterial taxa associated with low precipitation and high wind speeds. Bergen-Tartu had the highest difference (ANOSIM R = 0.203) in β diversity. Multivariate regression models showed that α diversity indices and bacterial and endotoxin loads were positively associated with the occupants' age, number of occupants, cleaning frequency, presence of dogs, and age of the house. Further studies are needed to understand how meteorological factors influence the indoor bacterial community in light of climate change.