Dust Fallout Research Articles

Pollution Characteristics and Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Elements in Fallout Dusts of Ma'an District Schools

The main goals of this paper were to (i) analyze the fallout dust deposits collected from 16 schools in the Ma’an district in Jordan and study their pollution characteristics and (ii) assess the ecological and human health risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) exposure to these dusts. Elemental and mineralogy analyses were conducted using X-ray fluorescence and diffraction techniques. The most abundant major elements in the dust were Ca, Si, Fe and Al, while the main minerals were carbonate and silicate indicating the detrital sedimentary origin of the dust. The pollution level was assessed using the enrichment factor, contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, the Nemerow integrated pollution index and pollution load index, which were in the order of Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr>V>Mn=Fe. The potential ecological risk results showed a very low ecological risk. For children and adults, both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks related to ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation of fallout dust were assessed.

SOURCES OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN LANDSCAPE COMPONENTS IN THE ZONE AFFECTED BY THE GORLOVO ANTHRACITE DEPOSIT

The content and composition of 19 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the rocks and soils of dumps, mushrooms growing on them (Verpa bohemica and Suillus luteus), as well as infiltrated and thawed snow waters on the territory of the Gorlovo anthracite deposit were evaluated. It is shown that the main source of PAH in the components of technogenic and adjacent natural landscapes of the deposit are fine coal particles and products of their transformation of non-pyrogenic nature. The flux of PAH into the components of the environment occurs due to: 1) dust fallout near the road along which the extracted coal is transported; 2) transformation of anthracite inclusions in the upper horizons of coal-bearing soils of dumps; 3) migration of transformation products with infiltrated waters. A distinctive feature of the composition of PAH in the samples of the studied objects is the predominance of light PAH (LPAH) in rocks and coals and heavy PAH (HPAH) in infiltrated and thawed snow waters. The composition of the polyarenes of rocks is dominated by PHE (phenanthrene) > FLT (fluoranthene) > NAP (naphthalene), waters - FLT > PYR (pyrene) > CHR (chrysene). The composition of PAH of soils depends on the presence of coal inclusions. For carbonaceous soils, the predominant polyarenes are FLT > PYR > PHE = CHR. With depth in soils, the composition of PAHs changes and becomes close to the composition of soil-forming rocks. Mushrooms have a selective ability to absorb PAH. Regardless of the presence of coal in the soils on which the mushrooms grow, the predominant compounds are FLT for V. bohemica and PHE for S. luteus. Based on the results of the analysis of the principal components, as well as the correlation of the priority PAH indices with their total content and the content of carcinogenic polyarenes, it has been found that the most representative ratios for assessing the impact of technogenic sources associated with anthracite extraction and transportation are PHE/(PHE + CHR) and ΣLPAH/ΣHPAH.

Self-cleaning coatings for minimizing the impact of dust precipitation on the power production of solar cells utilizing mesoporous TiO2/SiO2 and ZnO/SiO2 films

The production of customized site-specific anti-soiling nanocoatings is needed for better utilization in dry parts of the world, with consideration of natural dust fallout in those regions. Kuwait's atmosphere carries airborne dust 70% of the year. Thus, designing anti-soiling nanocoatings for the arid region is necessary when dusty atmospheres are considered the norm. In this contribution, all solar cells were coated by SiO2, ZnO/SiO2, and TiO2/SiO2 films for self-cleaning applications and were tested in the summer period with the high level of dust and temperatures the current, voltage and power output was measured. We directly relate the coatings' performance to the electrical power output of the coated solar cells, which is considered among the few studies in this field. Influences of properties ZnO/SiO2 and TiO2/SiO2 films, such as the surface morphology, transparency, and water contact angles on the power production efficiency of solar cells, were systematically investigated. The three fabricated films showed a contact angle of about 70o agrees with the expected hydrophilicity behaviour. The thickness values of SiO2, TiO2/SiO2 and ZnO/SiO2 films were found to be ∼35, 205 and 240, respectively. Transmission values of the synthesized SiO2, TiO2/SiO2 and ZnO/SiO2 films were determined at about 97.95, 96.62 and 96.25%, respectively, suggesting that all synthesized films are highly transparent over the visible range. Solar cell samples were subjected to natural conditions for 30 days in the summer. The results indicated that the effect of dust on the power production efficiency for ZnO/SiO2 and TiO2/SiO2 coated PV cells was lower than the solar cells coated with SiO2 film concluded from the low power output of 0.16 Watt for this coating compared to 0.18 and 0.2 Watts for the other two coatings. The mesoporous ZnO/SiO2 and TiO2/SiO2 films not only significantly minimized the accumulation of dust on the PV cells but also boosted the power-generating efficiency. The average daily power output of around 0.2 Watt and the deviation values of the soiling ratios of about 5% showed that TiO2/SiO2 film was a durable coating against dust for the presented experiment time, while the ZnO/SiO2 film started as good, but showed deterioration after six days of the experiment with a deviation in SR value reached 15%. The TiO2/SiO2 nanocoating showed consistent behaviour with lower deviations for soiling ratio (SR) values and constant average power output for the solar cells concluding good durability in solar cells tests during harsh conditions in the summer, implying the excellent service life of solar cells.

Soil contamination by copper: Sources, ecological risks, and mitigation strategies in Brazil

BackgroundSeveral activities can build up soil copper (Cu) concentrations leading to incorporation into the food chain and adversely affect natural and managed ecosystems. This study provides a synthesis of Cu sources, ecological risks, and mitigation strategies of Cu-contaminated soils in Brazil. MethodsA systematic data search was conducted based on publications from three databases. Data on Cu contamination in Brazilian soils were collected from selected publications; descriptive statistics, regressions, and geo-accumulation indices were obtained. Ecological risks and remediation methods were identified. ResultsBased on total soil Cu concentrations and the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), it was evident that some Cu sources are more problematic for soils. These sources include antifouling paint particles (Igeo = 9.5), tailings from Cu mining (Igeo = 2.8), and Cu-based fungicides applied to vineyards/orchards (Igeo = 1.8). Other Cu sources such as organic waste, solid waste, dust fallout, and metal scraps have generally resulted in moderate to low levels of soil contamination. Soils contaminated by Cu can also impact water since soil erosion carries elements into water bodies. Contaminated environments may lead to increased Cu absorption by organisms, which pose ecological risks. Reference values of total Cu concentrations used for assessing soil quality have been proposed for almost half of Brazilian states. The most prescribed Cu mitigation actions for soil amelioration are phytomanagement with non-accumulator cover crops or native plant species that can accumulate up to 1000 mg Cu kg−1 in roots/stems combined with liming/fertilization and microbial inoculation. ConclusionThe most Cu contaminated sites in Brazil occur on soils affected by Cu mine tailings and vineyards where Cu-based fungicides have been applied for several decades, which results in environmental, social, economic, and health issues. Strategies have been proposed for the mitigation of Cu contaminated soils, mainly phytomanagement options. However, there is still a strong need for joint efforts by public and private sectors to implement remediation practices on contaminated soils and to prevent Cu contamination of new areas.

Applying an AHP–GIS model to hybrid wind–solar energy site selection in a hot desert region: A case study of the Kuwaiti desert

ABSTRACT The aim of this research is to present how sand encroachment and dust fallout criteria impact the siting of hybrid wind – solar energy in hot desert regions. Analytical Hierarchy Process and Geographic Information System techniques were used to generate a hybrid wind – solar energy suitability map for Kuwait. For siting solar farms, dominant aeolian geomorphic processes like sand encroachment and dust fallout rate, distance to urban areas and farms, proximity to main roads and transmission lines, and slope criteria were used. Wind speed, distance to urban areas and farms, and proximity to main roads and transmission lines were considered for siting wind farms. According to the findings, sand encroachment and dust fallout rate were the top two criteria in terms of weighting for siting solar energy. The lowest hybrid suitability class covers the smallest area, with an area of 19 km2 of the study area, and is located in the south of the study area. The highest hybrid suitability class covers 1349 km2 and is located in the northeast, midwest, southeast, and south. The sensitivity analysis results demonstrate that sand encroachment and dust fallout rate have a significant role in siting hybrid wind – solar farms in hot desert regions.

Assessment of Bacteria, Morphological Characteristics, and Elemental Composition of Dust Fallout

Assessment of Bacteria, Morphological Characteristics, and Elemental Composition of Dust Fallout

Variability of Airborne Dust Fallout and Associated Trace Metals around Industrial Sites in Esfahan, Iran

AbstractThe seasonal and spatial variability of airborne dust deposits and associated trace metals such as Pb, Co, Ni, Cd, Mn in 15 sites surrounding a heavily industrialized region in south Esfahan (central Iran) are investigated. Total deposit rates (TDR) of dusts and trace metals are analyzed, contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) are also calculated. Furthermore, correlation and cluster analysis are performed to identify the source of the pollution. The highest dust‐TDR (15.97 g m−2 per season), the highest concentration of trace metals, CF and PLI are recorded in summer because of the lack of precipitation, high temperature, and drought conditions in this season. Pb and Cd show the highest CF values. In the towns near the two major steel mills in the region (i.e., Esfahan Steel Company and Mobarekeh Steel Complex), the CF values for Pb and Cd are about 13 and 12, respectively (i.e., 13 and 12 times higher than the pre‐industrial values, respectively). The spatial distribution maps of the dust deposit rate, dust‐borne trace metals, and the obtained PLI of the trace metals in the study area reveal that the two major industries in the region are the main sources of dust and trace metal distribution.

Carbon accumulation rates of Holocene peatlands in central–eastern Europe document the driving role of human impact over the past 4000 years

Abstract. Peatlands are one of the largest terrestrial carbon sinks on the planet, yet little is known about the carbon accumulation rates (CARs) of mountainous peatlands. The long-term variability in the size of the associated carbon sink and its drivers remain largely unconstrained, especially when the long-term anthropogenic impact is also considered. Here, we present a composite CAR record of nine peatlands from central–eastern Europe (Romania and Serbia) detailing variability in the rates of carbon accumulation during the Holocene. We show examples of extremely high long-term rates of carbon accumulation (LORCA>120 gCm-2yr-1), indicating that mountain peatlands constitute an efficient regional carbon sink at times. By comparing our data to modelled palaeoclimatic indices and to measures of anthropogenic impact we disentangle the drivers of peat carbon accumulation in the area. Variability in early- and mid-Holocene CARs is linked to hydroclimatic controls, with high CARs occurring during the early Holocene and lower CARs associated with the transition to cooler and moister mid-Holocene conditions. By contrast, after 4000 years (calibrated) before present (years BP), the trends in CARs indicate a divergence from hydroclimate proxies, suggesting that other processes became the dominant drivers of peat CARs. We propose that enhanced erosion following tree cover reduction as well as increased rates of long-distance atmospheric dust fallout might have played a role, as both processes would result in enhanced mineral and nutrient supply to bog surfaces, stimulating peatland productivity. Surprisingly though, for the last 1000 years, reconstructed temperature is significantly correlated with CARs, with rising temperatures linked to higher CARs. Under future climate conditions, which are predicted to be warmer in the region, we predict that peat growth may expand but that this is entirely dependent upon the scale of human impact directly affecting the sensitive hydrological budget of these peatlands.

Spatial and temporal distribution of heavy metals in dust fallout in Basra city/ Iraq

This study examined the distribution and dominance of some heavy metals in samples of dust fallout from Shaibah area in the province of Basra/ Iraq. The fallen dust collected by special containers of metal (diameter of 15 cm and height of 30 cm) via bags of polyethylene monthly between June 2011 and November 2012. An acid mixture of nitric and Perchloric acids (1:1) was used to digest the samples, then heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Pb, Fe Zn and Cr) analysed by using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The program SPSS was used to analyse data statistically using model 19. The mean of Cd concentration was a range from 0.0002 during May in St7 and 0.0158 mg/m3 September and St8. The result showed that the concentration of Cr ranges from 0.0046 to 0.4598 mg/m3. Ni conc. showed significant differences (0.871-0.0012 mg/m3), Pb range from 0.008 to 1.9042 mg/m3. Contamination of Cd, Pb and Cr might accumulate from different areas along with local pollution because of the high occurrence in whole locations, whereas Ni seems polluted locally because of high rates only at St2. The heavy metals above the reference value become seriously polluted according to WOH2008 and ATSDR, (2002), but below the target value in other studies.

In vitro bioaccessibility, phase partitioning, and health risk of potentially toxic elements in dust of an iron mining and industrial complex

Dust emitted from mining, ore processing, and tailing dumps have direct effects on miners who work close to these operations. The Gol-E-Gohar (GEG) mining and industrial company is one of the most important iron concentrate producers in the Middle East. The objective of the present study was to estimate the distribution, fractionation, and oral bioaccessibility of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in dust generated by the GEG mining and industrial company. Total PTE content including Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn was quantified for suspended particulate matter (PM) in PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particulate matter (TSP). As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb were quantified in fallout dust samples for oral bioaccessibility using in vitro Unified BARGE (UBM) Method and modified BCR fractionation analysis. Enrichment factors (EF) were calculated for the studied elements in PM; Cu, Fe, and As were found to be extremely enriched. Oral bioaccessibility of selected PTEs in fallout dust samples ranged from 0.35% to 41.55% and 0.06–37.58% in the gastric and intestinal phases, respectively. Regression modeling revealed that the bioaccessibilities of the PTEs could mostly be explained by total concentrations in dust particles. Average daily intake (ADI) calculations revealed that the intake of PTEs did not exceed the tolerable daily intake (TDI) values and as such was not considered a significant risk to workers. Additionally, the hazard quotients (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR) values were lower than the acceptable level. This study can provide further risk assessment and management of PTE pollution in occupational environments.

ОЦЕНКА ПЫЛЕВОГО ЗАГРЯЗНЕНИЯ АТМОСФЕРЫ НАЗЕМНЫМИ И ДИСТАНЦИОННЫМИ МЕТОДАМИ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ Г. ТОБОЛЬСК)

Snow cover is an effective accumulator of dust fallout and provides objective information on the level of pollution, but its sampling in large areas takes a long time. The use of remote sensing data (RSD) makes it possible to significantly simplify the assessment of the dust load in the atmosphere. Based on RSD from the town of Tobolsk, we evaluated the information value of various indices used to assess the distribution and properties of snow cover (NDSI, normalized S3 index, and SCI). Data on dust load and physicochemical properties of the snow obtained during sampling and subsequent analysis were compared with the spectral properties of the snow cover. It was determined that the dust load in the town averaged 32,1 mg/m2 per day, which is approximately 8 times higher than the background values. The degree of alkalinization is moderate, an increase in pH and salinity of snowmelt waters is observed. In comparison with other functional zones of the town, no increase in dust fallout was detected in the industrial zone (Tobolsk Petrochemical Plant). The level of dustiness is maximum in the zone of multistory buildings and on the streets with the highest traffic intensity. It was established that spectral indices indicate the amount of solid impurities in snow and the level of alkalinization. A statistically significant correlation was found between the amount of insoluble particles in snow and the S3 index as well as between pH and the SCI index. The paper concludes that these indices can be used to assess the environmental situation in urbanized areas.

ЭКОЛОГО-ГЕОХИМИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА СНЕЖНОГО ПОКРОВА ЯКУТСКА

For the first time, the geochemistry of snow cover on the territory of the city of Yakutsk, the largest city located in the permafrost zone, is considered on the basis of recent methods of analysis. To study the chemical composition of the snow cover and estimate the ecological state of the city in March 2020, 80 snow samples were collected on its territory and analyzed for a wide range of chemical elements. It was found that the background chemical composition of the soluble phase of the snow cover in the Yakutsk region is typical for the middle taiga landscapes of Yakutia: chloride-hydrocarbonate, predominantly calcium, with an acidic reaction and very low mineralization. On the basis of the present-day technique of analysis, the features of the transformation of the chemical composition of the soluble phase of snow cover in the urbanized area were evaluated. In the zone of technogenic action, the mineralization of snow water increases following the increase in the concentration of sulfates, calcium and ammonium; the reaction becomes alkaline. The technogenic load on the snow cover in Yakutsk and the main factors of its formation had been determined. The contribution of pollutants in the gas-aerosol phase is approximately 0.2% of the volume of winter dust fallout. In winter, the main source of pollution of the atmosphere here is the motor transport, and to a smaller degree - energy facilities and industrial enterprises. The features of the macro- and microelement composition of the soluble phase of snow were established as well. Macropollutants and nitrogen compounds account for 90–95% of the total atmospheric precipitation, the major quantity of which is carbon. The most contrasting technogenic transformation of microelements is characteristic of Cu, Fe, Cd, Sn, Zn, and Al. The value and parameters of the winter atmospheric load on the snow cover had been determined. The characteristics of the ionic composition of the soluble phase of snow in Yakutsk and the parameters of their changes had been revealed. Almost throughout the whole city, the level of contamination with toxic elements is estimated as low and moderately dangerous. Heavy metal pollution of the snow cover here is noticeably lower than this takes place in the cities of Eastern Siberia (Blagoveshchensk, Bratsk, Irkutsk, Chita).

Spatial Variability of Atmosphere Dust Fallout Flux in Urban–Industrial Environments

This work aimed to assess and characterize the air quality in what concerns particulate pollution in urban–industrial environments. The main objectives were to study the spatial variability of the deposition flux of particulate pollution identifying areas with higher deposition and to associate the variability with climatological variables and with possible surrounding emitting sources. The method for collecting the deposited particles was based on the standard NF X 43–007. Sampling for particulate pollution took place between April 2015 and February 2016 through seven sampling campaigns. Maps of the spatial dispersion for the particulate pollution were obtained through statistics and geostatistics techniques. Elemental identification by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used but only in two sampling campaigns. The results show that the sampling campaigns that took place during hot and dry periods, 2nd and 3rd, present higher deposition flux: 2.04 g/(m2 × month) and 1.72 g/(m2 × month), respectively. Lower deposition fluxes were registered in the 6th and 7th campaigns: 0.23 g/(m2 × month) and 0.24 g/(m2 × month), respectively. A recurrent high deposition was also observed at specific sampling points that may be due to both the nearby road traffic and the presence of chimneys. SEM analysis allowed to associate repetitive element deposition, at the same sampling point, to the same emitting source.

Comparative performance evaluation of different photovoltaic modules technologies under Kuwait harsh climatic conditions

In this work, performance analysis and comparison of eight photovoltaic (PV) technologies were carried out under the local harsh climate conditions of Kuwait. The test facility is elevated 3 metres​ above ground level on top of carports at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), alongside the seashore. The test was carried out for two modules each of eight commercially available PV technologies, at total of 16 specimens. The eight technologies employed in this work are, Monocrystalline (m-Si), Polycrystalline (p-Si), Heterojunction (HIT), and thin film; Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS), and Amorphous Silicon (a-Si). The set of data analysed in this paper was systematically acquired during a period of 12 months. Special attention is given to the influence of temperature and dust on the performance of the PV modules. The results show that m-Si, p-Si and HIT modules performed better in high irradiance levels while decreasing rapidly at lower irradiance levels. However, in the case of the cylindrical CIGS module, good performance in low irradiance level was observed Two technologies in the study (a-Si and CdTe) performed significantly lower than the other technologies mainly due to capture losses. The performance analysis show that the HIT technology performed better than m-Si and p-Si technologies. Moreover the module’s geometry and construction materials had significant impact on module temperature, soiling loss, and subsequently module performance. Modules packaged with epoxy degraded faster than other modules with glass encapsulation under the same soiling rate due to dust fallout.

Atmospheric deposition of polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the vicinity of shredding facilities in Wallonia (Belgium)

In Belgium, 16 shredding facilities manage annually tens of thousands tons of wastes from different origins (end-of-life vehicles, electronic waste, electrical transformers, …). These materials contain hazardous persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The shredding process promotes the production and the emission of dust contaminated by these compounds. The objective of this study is to measure the concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in fallout dust collected in the vicinity of 3 shredding plants located in Wallonia (French speaking part of Belgium). Samples were collected by using Owen gauges and pollutant levels were measured by GC-MS. The median deposition levels measured for ∑PCDD/Fs, ∑dioxin-like PCBs, 5 × ∑6 DIN PCBs and PBDE 209 were 1.9 pg TEQ/m2.day, 4.4 pg TEQ/m2.day, 246.5 ng/m2.day and 253.8 ng/m2.day, respectively. These levels represent high concentrations compared to those observed in most of the remote, rural and urban areas studied around the world and were similar to those measured in other heavily industrialized districts. Consequently, the health effects of this high exposure to pollutants among workers and residents in the vicinity of these shredding facilities are of concern.

Dust Deposition Impacts at a Liquidated Gold Mine Village: Gauteng Province in South Africa.

The windy season brings numerous community complaints for gold mining companies situated in the Witwatersrand due to windblown dust from partially rehabilitated tailings storage facilities (TSFs). For communities encroaching onto TSFs, windblown dust is perceived as a health hazard and an environmental challenge. In a study conducted in 2017 by the Lawyers for Human Rights, the community of a gold mine village perceived tailings storage facility 6 (TSF6) and other surrounding tailings storage facilities which are partially rehabilitated to be a health and socio-economic threat. Since 2013, when a nearby gold mining company was liquidated, this community has been complaining about dust fallout. To validate the claims made by the community this paper reports on the dust deposition impacts, and respiratory illnesses risk posed by wind-blown generated dust. The study conducts an air quality assessment using dispersion modelling of windblown dust. Surface material from the TSFs was sampled, analysed for silica and heavy metal content using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) respectively. This study finds that PM10 dust fallout, high in silica and uranium content, could potentially pose health threats to the surrounding community. The study further shows that dust deposition is the highest in July–October, with TSF6 posing a nuisance while TSF1 represents a potential health threat owing to its particle size distribution for the surrounding gold mine village community. Potential receptors of the air pollution by dust in this study area include neighbouring property owners, business owners of the nearby shopping centre, the school and the clinic. This study further finds that sudden mine closure due to mine liquidation results in unrehabilitated tailings storage facilities which exacerbates dust deposition.

The Oldest Highlands of Mars May Be Massive Dust Fallout Deposits

The oldest terrains of Mars are cratered landscapes, in which extensive valleys and basins are covered by ubiquitous fluvial plains. One current paradigm maintains that an impact-generated megaregolith underlies these sediments. This megaregolith was likely largely generated during the Early Noachian (~4.1 to ~3.94 Ga) when most Martian impact basins formed. We examined the geologic records of NW Hellas and NW Isidis, which include this epoch’s most extensive circum-basin outcrops. Here, we show that these regions include widespread, wind-eroded landscapes, crater rims eroded down by several hundred meters, pitted plains, and inverted fluvial and crater landforms. These surfaces exhibit few fresh craters, indicating geologically recent wind erosion. The deep erosion, topographic inversions, and an absence of dunes on or near talus across these regions suggest that sediments finer than sand compose most of these highland materials. We propose that basin-impact-generated hurricane-force winds created sediment-laden atmospheric conditions, and that muddy rains rapidly settled suspended sediments to construct extensive Early Noachian highlands. The implied high abundance of fine-grained sediments before these impacts suggests large-scale glacial silt production and supports the previously proposed Noachian “icy highlands” hypothesis. We suggest that subglacial meltwater interactions with the sedimentary highlands could have promoted habitability, particularly in clay strata.

Perceptions of external costs of dust fallout from gold mine tailings: West Wits Basin

Mining is important for the South African economy, as it is for many developing African nations. In 2017, mining was reported to contribute 6.8 % to the South African GDP and provided more than 460, 000 jobs. Though mining adds an enormous amount of value to the country, it has significant impacts on the environment and the socio-economic factors of society. The well-documented environmental impact of mining operations on surface and groundwater systems, known as Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), is just one of these environmental impacts. There are also other impacts such as the pollution of agricultural soils, the creation of sinkholes and air pollution. For example, airborne dust remains a persistent problem in South African urban areas due to the climatic conditions, extensive surface mining, unrehabilitated tailings storage facilities and mineral processing. However, very little is reported on the socio-economic costs that are due to poor environmental management. Some scholars assert that despite the Mine Health and Safety Act, deposition monitoring guidelines and national dust regulations, South Africa still experiences persistent dust problems, especially in coal and gold mining districts. This paper investigates the effect of gold mining dust pollution in and around a Gold Mining Village, in South Africa. A quantitative and qualitative approach was used, where a questionnaire and interviews were conducted to examine the Gold Mine Village perceptions on dust pollution and their socio-economic environment. This paper further examines how poor and premature mine closure by liquidation results in unrehabilitated mine tailings and how this has significant impacts on the socio-economic status of individuals and surrounding businesses. The community being investigated in this study, perceives the dust fallout impact to be a socio-economic threat. The paper finds that the community believes it incurs medical financial expenditures due to treating respiratory-related diseases triggered by dust fallout.

Tobacco plant as possible biomonitoring tool of red mud dust fallout and increased natural radioactivity

Exposure to toxic heavy metal content in soil and inherent naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) needs to be monitored, especially after industrial accidents and remediation efforts. Just such an accident happened near Ajka city in Hungary; a large quantity of red mud flooded out from a reservoir. The afflicted area was remediated, and the red mud deposition technology was changed from a wet to a dry procedure. Concerns have been raised about potential hazards from airborne NORM dust in this area. The objectives of this study were to assess the use of explanted tobacco plants as an active biomonitoring system for airborne NORM dust and to reveal weather-related correlations of Po-210 in airborne dust. In 2011, 2012 and 2014, measurements were taken of the following at six monitoring sites in the polluted area and at eight sites in unpolluted areas: soil and tobacco plant Po-210 isotope levels, airborne Rn-222, Ra-226 in soil, Th-232 and K-40 radioactivity concentrations. The transfer factors (TFs) of tobacco were calculated yearly for these isotopes. Association of data with local weather features was determined. In 2012 (the windiest and driest year), the mean Po-210 activity concentrations of tobacco samples in polluted areas were significantly higher than in 2011 and in 2014 (p = 0.044 and p = 0.024, respectively). The mean TF of samples in 2012 was also significantly higher in tobacco plants grown in the polluted area compared to ones grown in unpolluted areas (p = 0.020). These results presumably originate from red mud dust-particle adsorption on tobacco plant leaves. Tobacco plants are promising active bioindicators of airborne particulate pollution by Po-210 or other atmospheric NORM content.

Assessment of dust fallout in the snow cover using remote sensing data: the case of Nizhnevartovsk

Assessment of dust fallout in the snow cover using remote sensing data: the case of Nizhnevartovsk