Characteristics of air-borne dust emitted by opencast coal mining in Jharia Coalfield

Abstract

Opencast coal mining creates more air pollution problems in respect of dust and the fines contain coal particles, benzene soluble matters, etc. An investigation was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of the air-borne dust due to opencast coal mining. The study area has been described and the sources of air pollution were identified. Approach for the selection of air monitoring stations to assess the level of air pollution due to coal mining activities at different areas have been described. Suspended patriculate matter (SPM) concentration was found to be very high in work zone and surrounding locations. The status of air pollution in respect of diurnal and seasonal variations have been discussed. The SPM was subjected to particle size analysis by using different techniques. It was observed that the particulates were more respirable in nature and the median diameter was around 20μ. Dispersion of these finer particles was causing pollution problem at longer distances. Work zone was found to be more deteriorated in respect SPM, respirable particulate matter (RPM) and benzene soluble matters. Variations of weight percentages for different size ranges have been discussed on the basis of mining activities. Benzene soluble and anion fractions in SPM were found to be high in comparison to other areas. The characteristics of the air-bone dust have been discussed in respect of human health hazard and air quality standards.