Browsing by Author "Scott, K"

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    Aeolian dust: its potential role as a carrier of terrestrial salt in Australia
    (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 2008-07) Shiga, Y; Greene, RSB; Scott, K; Stelcer, E
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    Application of ion beam analysis and refined sample preparation techniques to the study of aeolian dust samples from north-west Australia
    (Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE), 2009-11-27) Karlson, LR; Greene, RSB; Scott, K; Stelcer, E; Cresswell, R
    Ion beam analysis (IBA) can provide extremely accurate data on the elemental composition of dust samples. However, recent analysis of dust samples collected from SE Australia using a range of sample collectors have demonstrated that considerable uncertainty may exist in the interpretation of results because of uncertainties associated with the sample preparation methods. This current study focuses on refining the methods used for preparing dust samples for analysis; it also considers probable source areas for entrained dust in order to minimise additional uncertainties which may be introduced when assumptions about sample composition are made during mathematical treatment of the IBA data. © 2009 AINSE
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    Assessment of aeolian dust properties in the Port Hedland area and implications for future air quality management strategies
    (The Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand, 2011-07-31) Joseph, D; Scott, K; Greene, RSB; Stelcer, E
    Substantial amounts of dust are generated in Port Hedland, an iron ore handling port 1300 km north of Perth in Western Australia, with particulates in the air exceeding acceptable levels on 55 days during 2010. In addition, the incidence of respiratory hospitalisation is 30% higher in the Port Hedland region than in the rest of Western Australia. The iron ore handling operations are currently suspected to be the major cause. However the contribution from other sources is poorly documented and as the industry grows in the area so too does the number of possible sources. This pilot study reports the chemical composition of dust samples from 8 collection sites located up to 20 km from industrial facilities and compares the composition to that from 6 potential source locations. The samples were collected between the months of July and September 2010. Ion Beam Analysis was used to determine the chemical composition of the aeolian samples and Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectroscopy was used to determine the composition of the source samples. Elevated levels of Fe have been observed at all aeolian sample sites indicating widespread dispersion of iron ore dust; however when considered relative to Al, there appears to be a discrepancy between the composition of aeolian samples and iron ore products. This suggests a significant contribution from sources such as dredge spoil areas and areas disturbed by other infrastructure projects. Further study to determine the elemental make up of dust from the Port Hedland area is being undertaken to determine the contribution made by the various emission sources in the area in the event that acceptable levels of airborne particulate matter are exceeded. This will provide an accurate means of designing air quality management and dust abatement strategies for the town and the industry groups as industrial expansion occurs.© 2011-Clean Air Society of Australia & New Zealand