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.
