Field comparison of fugitive tailings dust sampling and monitoring methods

This study compares select dust sampling apparatuses and monitoring methods by investigating fugitive tailings dust transport and deposition at an abandoned Zn-Pb-Cu mine located in eastern, Canada. The sampling apparatuses and monitoring methods are compared in terms of capturing seasonal trends and spatial extent, as well as the ability to evaluate impacts to aquatic ecosystems. Methods evaluated include satellite imagery, lichen tissue analysis, passive dry deposition collectors (Pas-DDs) with two different configurations, dust deposition gauges (DDGs) and a high volume total suspended particulate (Hi-Vol TSP) sampler. All methods utilized demonstrated benefits and challenges in relation to seasonal sampling and determining spatial extent of dust deposition. Results indicate that the polyurethane foam disk configuration of the Pas-DD sampler efficiently accumulates dust in comparison to the glass fiber filter configuration and DDGs which both likely underestimate dust deposition. Lichen and satellite imagery were shown to be effective tools for identifying areas of interest and extent of contamination. At the study site, it was observed that dust deposition was highest in the winter months and lowest in the summer months, likely due to increased erosion in winter weather conditions (higher wind speeds and/or freeze drying effect).