Evaluation of the concentration of chemical elements in suspended particulate matter inside a small bronze and iron foundry industry, using a streaker sampler and EDXRF (original) (raw)
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2009
The unregulated activities of a scrap iron and steel smelting industry in Lagos, Nigeria necessitated the sampling of particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) particles from various sections of the industry. The samples were analyzed using polarized energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique which allowed the simultaneous detection of over 25 elements in each of the samples. The mass concentration levels ranged from 86 to 8765 µg/m 3 for PM 10 and 10 to 462 µg/m 3 for PM 2.5 . The highest concentrations of 8765 and 462 µg/m 3 for PM 10 and PM 2.5 , respectively, were observed at one of the electric arc-furnaces (EAF-2). This was attributed to the scrap smelting and additives used. The observed high concentrations of PM 10 lead (Pb) at various sites, when compared with exposure limit of between 1.0 and 5.0 µg/m 3 set by Occupational safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and United State Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is emphasized. For zinc (Zn), the measured levels exceeded the OSHA workplace occupational exposure limit set at 1 mg/m 3 for an 8-h workday over a 40h work week and that set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for up to a 10-h workday over 40-h workweek. These results suggest the need for immediate repair or replacement of the emission control devices.
Journal of Aerosol Science, 2018
This work reports on qualitative and semi-quantitative elemental analysis of particulate matter (PM) collected on PTFE membrane filters, for a source apportionment study conducted in Brescia (Italy). Sampling was undertaken in a residential area where an increase in Mn emissions has been highlighted by previous studies. Filters are measured by means of X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) based techniques such as micro-XRF and grazing incidence XRF using synchrotron radiation, Mo or W excitation sources, after applying an automatized sample preparation method. A heterogeneous distribution in PM shape, size and composition was observed, with features typical of anthropogenic sources. XRF measurements performed at various incidence angle, on large areas and different experimental setup were reproducible. The results demonstrate a successful comparison of the various XRF instrumentation, and the decrease in Mn content with the distance away from the identified emission source. This work highlights the potentialities of the presented approach to provide a full quantitative analysis, and ascertain its suitability for providing a direct, fast, simple and sensitive elemental analysis of filters in source apportionment studies and screening purposes.
Atmospheric Environment (1967), 1989
Aircraft sampling of atmospheric particulate matter often implies small mass collection for subsequent analysis, especially when free tropospheric samples are considered. We present here results of the use of an X-ray fluorescence instrument, specifically designed for small-mass samples, in the determination of free tropospheric and boundary layer elemental concentrations. Based on l-to 2-h-long samples, ngmV3 ambient air concentrations of Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, MO, Cd and Pb may be determined with uncertainties of 5-15% in polluted and even some rural boundary layer samples. In free tropospheric and remote boundary layer samples, concentrations may be determined for many of these elements but with larger uncertainties.
Emission characterization of particulate matter in the ironmaking process
Environmental Technology, 2019
The study is to provide a detailed physical and chemical characterization of particles collected in the ironmaking process, including a bunker system, a cast house and a pulverized coal feeding system. Using gravimetric, scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analyses, the size distribution, morphology, elemental composition and emission factor of particles were investigated. The contribution rates of cast house for emission factors of total suspended particulates (TSP), PM10 and PM2.5 are the largest, 57.0%, 75.5% and 83.3%, respectively. SEM-EDS analysis indicated that cast house particle shapes are mainly formed by polymerization from spherical particles and ultrafine particles, whose main component is Fe. But, the particles of the bunker system or the pulverized coal feeding system are mainly the large ones of irregular block or powder particles and the main component is carbon. The highest content of the element in particles of the bunker system and cast house is Fe, followed by C, Si, Ca and Al. The main elements of particles in the pulverized coal feeding system are C, Si, Al and Ca, and their contents are 63.6%, 7.83%, 3.07% and 1.47%, respectively.
The chemical composition of single particles deposited on industrial filters located in three different chimneys of an iron-manganese (FeeMn) alloy manufacturing plant have been compared using aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS) and scanning electron microscopyeenergy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX). Very similar types of particles were observed using both analytical techniques. Calcium-containing particles dominated in the firing area of the sintering unit, Mn and/or Al-bearing particles were observed at the cooling area of the sintering unit, while Mn-containing particles were dominant at the smelting unit. SEM-EDX analysis of particles collected downstream of the industrial filters showed that the composition of the particles emitted from the chimneys is very similar to those collected on the filters. ATOFMS analysis of ore samples was also performed to identify particulate emissions that could be generated by wind erosion and manual activities. Specific particle types have been identified for each emission source (chimneys and ore piles) and can be used as tracers for source apportionment of ambient PM measured in the vicinity of the industrial site.
International journal of environmental research and public health, 2018
The characteristics of aerosol, in particular particle size and chemical composition, can have an impact on human health. Particle size distribution and chemical composition is a necessary parameter in occupational exposure assessment conducted in order to understand possible health effects. The aim of this study was to characterize workplace airborne particulate matter in a metallurgical setting by synergistically using two different approaches; Methodology: Analysis of inhalable fraction concentrations through traditional sampling equipment and ultrafine particles (UFP) concentrations and size distribution was conducted by an Electric Low-Pressure Impactor (ELPI+™). The determination of metallic elements (ME) in particles was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Results: Inhalable fraction and ME concentrations were below the limits set by Italian legislation and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH, 2017). The median of UFP ...
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 2015
assessment of the air quality in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK was performed by determining the trace element content in airborne particulates (PM 10). Samples were collected over a 12 month period (March 2011 to April 2012) using two high volume air sampler provided with a PM 10 size selective inlet. The concentrations of 6 elements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined. The mean concentrations of these elements varied widely across the elements with Zn showing the highest concentration (41.3 ± 42.8 ng/m 3 ; ranging from 9.9-209.0 ng/m 3) and Cr the least concentration (1.7 ± 0.9 ng/m 3 ; ranging from 0.4-3.2 ng/m 3). The total elemental content obtained in this work was compared with regulatory limit values for 4 of the elements determined and it was discovered that none exceeded the limit values. © JASEM
Analytical Sciences, 2005
Multielemental composition and morphology of particulate matter samples were examined to detect the presence of two potential responsible pollutant emitters at four sites impacted during a pollution episode in the City of Campana, Argentina. Coke and smoke black are the main constituents associated to the industrial plants that were considered, a priori, as responsible pollutant emitters. Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) was employed for the analysis of metals in samples coming from both, suspected sources and four sites. On the basis of multielemental composition profiles, a screening analysis was undertaken for exploring similarities among sources and sample sites adopting the average concentration profile of the crustal rock as soil surrogate. Particle morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in source samples and in those environmental samples selected through the screening analysis. Two types of collected samples were analyzed: 1) those with composition profiles closer to the potential sources and 2) those closer to the cluster rock. This strategy was adequate to identify the responsible source of the contamination episode.
Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 2018
This study monitored total atmospheric deposit (TAD) around a smelting plant in Ile-Ife, Nigeria to assess the contributions of the industry to Nigeria's air-shed pollution. Samples were collected for 12 consecutive months using an Australian model gauge, harvested after 30 d of exposure, filtered and dried to constant weights using oven. Monthly deposition rates were determined and elemental characterizations of the TAD samples were done using proton-induced X-ray emission technique. Results revealed that the monthly deposition rates ranged from 0.69 to 4.62 gm ¡3 and was more pronounced in Harmattan. Twenty-three elements were detected; their total elemental concentrations ranged from 1.23 to 13.63 mg m ¡3 with Fe having the highest concentrations, while Na has the least. Pearson correlation indicated that some elements have common sources and/ or similar chemical properties; enrichment factor showed that Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn were extremely enriched in the study area, modified degree of contamination (3.75) and pollution load intensity (1.21) showed that the neighborhoods could be exposed to high air pollution related impacts. Positive matrix factorization model revealed three distinct sources: Smelting emission (63%), biomass burning (17%), and suspended input material emissions (21%). The study concluded that the smelting activities posed a great hazard to receptors around the smelting industry.
Journal of Chemical Health and Safety, 2010
Particulates containing hazardous metals and metal fumes are common in the metal smelting industry. Exposure of workers to these smelter particulates has been documented to lead to adverse health effects. In this study, select metals contained in respirable, PM10, and total dust samples where correlated to readings of a Grimm 1.109 aerosol measuring instrument in an effort to see if with the use of correction factors the metals can be accurately determined when compared to metal concentrations reported by the laboratory analysis of respirable, PM10, and total dust samples. In all, there were 16 sampling events, with three respirable, three PM10, and three total dust samples collected during each sampling event. The four metals of particular interest analyzed by the laboratory were cadmium, arsenic, lead, and copper. To more accurately and precisely determine metal concentrations when using the Grimm 1.109 with correction factors, further sampling is needed with the collection of process variables such as ore feedstock metal concentrations, process operation parameters, and weather conditions that can be included into linear regression models. Statistical model results suggest that this methodology of using metal specific correction factors to adjust Grimm 1.109 measured particulate matter concentrations to determine the selected metal concentrations in a smelter environment are within statistically accepted criteria and can be used to determine the metal concentrations in the smelter industry.