Characterization of Airborne Dust from Two Nonferrous Foundries by Physico-chemical Methods and Multivariate...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Industrial processes release airborne particulate matter (APM).
• Understanding APM composition is vital for environmental and health impact assessments.
• Characterizing APM from specific industrial sources like copper smelters and aluminum casting plants is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the size, shape, quantity, and chemical species microlocalization of APM from a copper smelter and an aluminum casting plant.
• To investigate the relationship between aerosol chemistry and particle size.
• To identify site-specific elemental characteristics and surface properties of industrial particulates.

Main Methods:

• Sampling of airborne particulate matter using closed cassettes and cascade impactors.
• Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).
• Advanced elemental and surface analysis via secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and photoelectron spectroscopy (PES), with data interpreted using cluster and principal component analyses.

Main Results:

• Aerosol chemistry is size-dependent, with complexity increasing in the respirable fraction (<10 micrometers).
• Volatile species are generally enriched on particle surfaces.
• Distinct site-specific elements and characteristics were identified for copper smelter and aluminum casting plant emissions.
• Particulate formation is linked to industrial processes, but airborne distribution is complex.

Conclusions:

• Industrial APM exhibits size-dependent chemical complexity and surface enrichment of volatile species.
• Characterization methods reveal site-specific signatures of industrial emissions.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the intricate distribution of airborne particulate species related to industrial activities.