Assessment of aeolian dust properties in the Port Hedland area and implications for future air quality management strategies
Loading...
Date
2011-07-31
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand
Abstract
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
Description
Keywords
Dusts, Air, Quality control, Iron ores, Western Australia, Qualitative chemical analysis
Citation
Joseph, D., Scott, K., Greene, R., & Stelcer, E. (2011). Assessment of aeolian dust properties in the Port Hedland area and implications for future air quality management strategies. Paper presented to the 20th International Clean Air and Environment Conference (CASANZ 2011), 31 July-2nd August 2011, Auckland, New Zealand.