Complex study of air pollution in electroplating workshop

A comprehensive analysis of the state of air inside an industrial workshop with electroplating production was carried out. The data of quantitative distribution of suspended particles by size fractions (PM_0.3, PM_0.5, PM₁, PM₃, PM₅, PM₁₀) are presented for 15 main processes of electroplating. Morphometric and chemical composition of the surface of particles were studied. We observed particles of rounded shape, various agglomerates with complex geometric shapes, acute-angular particles, which when inhaled pose a maximum threat to human health. Chemical analysis of these particles showed an absolute predominance of oxides of non-ferrous metals, the percentage of which varied depending on the type of electroplating bath. The content of highly hazardous substances of the 1st (Zn, Pb, and Cd) and the 2nd (Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, and Mo) hazard classes in each sample was recorded.