AIR QUALITY IN MINING AREAS: THE CASE OF STRATONI, CHALKIDIKI, GREECE

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Published: Jan 1, 2010
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/bgsg.11657
Keywords:
air quality mineral dust PM10 Stratoni Chalkidiki Greece
D. Papastamatiou
N. Skarpelis
A. Argyraki
Abstract

Air quality sampling tests are conducted on a 24h basis by “HELLENIC GOLD S.A.” in the Stratoni mining settlement. The settlement is located in the neighbourhood of a flotation plant where galena and sphalerite concentrates are produced after crushing and processing of Pb-Ag-Zn sulfide ore. Old piles of mineral waste occur close to the settlement. The mineralogy of mineral dust collected on filters of 3 air samplers from August to December 2008 was studied. Elemental analysis of mineral dust collected from January to December 2008 was conducted. The purpose of the study was to determine levels of air pollution, type of mineral particles as well as potential sources. Measurements of air quality included PM10. Statistical analysis of the collected data included tests to determine the control on daily particle concentration and mineralogy of fluctuations of temperature, humidity, wind direction and wind speed. Air quality was better than during 1998-2000. Air quality was typically at its worse during hot summer days when wind speed was high. The concentration of PM10 particulate matter was quite low when compared to International Air Quality Standards regulations, indicating that levels of air pollution in the area do not pose human health hazards.

Article Details
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  • Industrial Minerals and Rocks
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