Characteristics of hazardous airborne dust around an Indian surface coal mining area.

Surface coal mining creates more air pollution problems with respect to dust than underground mining . An investigation was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of the airborne dust created by surface coal mining in the Jharia Coalfield. Work zone air quality monitoring was conducted at six locations, and ambient air quality monitoring was conducted at five locations, for a period of 1 year. Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) concentration was found to be as high as 3,723 microg/m(3), respirable particulate matter (PM10) 780 microg/m(3), and benzene soluble matter was up to 32% in TSP in work zone air. In ambient air, the average maximum level of TSP was 837 microg/m(3), PM10 170 microg/m(3) and benzene soluble matter was up to 30%. Particle size analysis of TSP revealed that they were more respirable in nature and the median diameter was around 20 microm. Work zone air was found to have higher levels of TSP, PM10 and benzene soluble materials than ambient air. Variations in weight percentages for different size particles are discussed on the basis of mining activities. Anionic concentration in TSP was also determined. This paper concludes that more stringent air quality standards should be adopted for coal mining areas and due consideration should be given on particle size distribution of the air-borne dust while designing control equipment.

Assessment of the status of work zone air environment due to opencast coal mining.

In India coal production will have to be increased to meat the energy demand at a very high rate. By 2000 AD the cool production from opencast (O/C) mining will rise to 250 Mt. which will be about 70%of the total coal production. The increasing trend of O/C mining leads to cause air pollution problem. A survey was conducted to assess the status of work zone air envimment due to opencast coal mining in Jharia Coalfield. Keeping in view of place of dust generation air quality monitoring stations were selected. Methodology adapted for sampling and analysis of air pollutants have been described. Four season data revealed that maximum concentration of SPM was observed at dragline section and the next high concentration was at haul roads. At all the locations SPM and RPM concentrations exceeded the permissible limits specified by Indian Pollution Control Board. Shift wise and location wise analysis for getting higher concentration of SO2 and NOx, have been discussed. Wind velocity and directions, mixing heights, ventilation coefficient of the area have been analyzed. Huge dust generation creates vision problem to HEMM operators. The methodology adopted may be utilised on industrial scale for various sites.

Air pollution caused by opencast mining and its abatement measures in India.

Opencast mining dominates coal production in India. A survey was conducted to evaluate its local atmospheric impact. Emissions data were utilised to compute dust generation due to different mining activities. Work zone air quality, ambient air quality and seasonal variations are described revealing high pollution potential due to suspended particulate matter (SPM) and consequent impact on human health. Air pollution control measures involve planning and implementing a series of preventive and suppressive measures in addition to dust extraction systems. Different abatement measures are enumerated. Pollution control by trees, the tolerance of trees to different air pollutants and plant species useful for controlling pollution are also discussed. There is a need for wider application of dust control chemicals on haul roads. Sustainable management of pollution can be achieved by the proper implementation of suggested abatement measures.

Sources of air pollution due to coal mining and their impacts in Jharia coalfield.

Indian coal consumption is about 5.5% of the world and the share of coal as energy went up to 66%. The increasing trend of opencast coal mining lead to release of dust and gaseous pollutants. The Indian reserve of coking coal is mainly located in Jharia coalfield and having reserves upto a depth of 1219m are 19339 Mt. The coalfield is subjected to intensive mining activities and accounts for 30% of the total Indian coal production. Coal mining in Jharia coalfield and the sources of air pollution along with the production of air pollutants have been described. The dust particles act as centres of catalysis for many of the chemical reactions taking place in the atmosphere. Characteristics and effects of the pollutants have been discussed. An estimate of the dust generated and discharged into the atmosphere can be made by using emission factor or prediction type equations. It is disirable that this exercise is to be undertaken in planning stage so that adequate and appropriate mitigating measures can be incorporated into the project at least cost.