Analysis of contributions to the PM10 concentration in a gold mine residential village

Abstract

Main findings Although the data did not allow the inclusion of non-identified or “unknown” sources, allocation of the impact at the receptor point to the identified sources proved possible and useful in comparing individual tailings dams contributions. The No. 4 tailings dam has been identified as one of the major contributors to PM10 concentration at West Village. The average PM10 gravimetric concentration recorded at West Village was 18.4 μg/m3 and the concentration with the light scatter method was 15.4 μg/m3. Black carbon has been identified as significant contributor to overall PM10 mass concentrations with up to 34% in the winter season. Source appointment from receptor-based measurements has not been previously conducted at Driefontein Gold Mine. Source apportionment can make a valuable contribution in attempts to reduce air pollution. At a site where particulate matter is the predominant pollutant from a variety of potential sources, the contributions from the individual sources may be difficult to distinguish especially if the sources fall within a single category type with similar pollutant profiles. It would be useful to ascertain the individual contributions so that the effectiveness of existing control measures can be determined and areas where additional controls may be required can be identified. Too this effect, potential dust sources at and around a gold mine were identified. Samples of the dust sources were collected and analysed for their elemental compositions and abundances. A receptor point in a mine village was selected and equipped with an ESampler PM10 dust monitor as well as an aethalometer, the MicroAeth AE51 (MicroAeth). Monthly receptor samples were collected and analysed for their elemental concentrations. The elemental compositions of the potential sources and the concentrations at the receptor were statistically analysed for 12 periods of a month each to determine the possible contributions to the PM10 concentration at a mine village (West Village, Driefontein Mine, near Carletonville). Main conclusions Operational tailings dams can under, certain conditions contribute the major portion of fallout dust and PM10, even more than dormant tailings dams.