Comparison of Diverse Dust Control Products in Wind-Induced Dust Emission from Unpaved Roads

Abstract

Surfaces of unpaved roads are subjected to dust PM10 (particulate matter < 10 µm) emission by wind process regardless of vehicles (wheels) transport. However, there is little quantitative information on wind-induced dust emission from unpaved roads and the efficiency of diverse dust control products. The study aimed to fill this clear applied scientific gap using wind-tunnel experiments under laboratory and field conditions. The wind-tunnel complies with aerodynamics requirements and is adjusted to dynamic similitude by appropriately scaling all variables that affect dust transport. The results of the control sample (no-treatment) clearly show that dust emission by wind from unpaved road could be a substantial contribution to mass transfer and air pollution, and thus should be considered. Diverse dust control products of synthetic and organic polymers (Lignin, Resin, Bitumen, PVA, Brine) were tested. In the first stage, the products were tested under controlled-laboratory conditions. The results enabled quantitative assessment of the product efficacy in wind erosion without the impact of vehicle transport. In the second stage, the products were tested in field experiment in an active quarry, in which the products were applied on plots along the road. The field experiment was conducted after transportation of the quarry-haul trucks in two time points: several days after the application, and several weeks after the application. The results show that in most of the plots the dust emission increases with the wind velocity. PM10 fluxes from the road surface in each plot were calculated to determine the effectiveness of the dust control products. Some products significantly reduced dust emission from quarry roads, especially when using the Hydrous magnesium chloride (Brine). Additional experiments revealed that such Brine can be applied with reduced amounts and still keeping on low emission.

A Clay-Based Geopolymer in Loess Soil Stabilization

“…The PM10 values of the control sample were significantly higher than those of all the other samples in both wind velocities, suggesting that all the applied products are efficient for dust suppression at a certain level. It is interesting to see that the brine, which was found to be very efficient by reducing > 90% of the dust emission in calcareous soils under the same experimental conditions [8], is less effective in loess soils. The results of the brine are at the range of the PVA.…”

“…The soils were tested in a wind tunnel for dust emission-overall 30 runs were performed by the wind tunnel (5 samples, 3 replicates, 2 wind velocities). These experiments were performed in the portable boundary-layer wind tunnel of the Aeolian Simulation Laboratory at BGU [8]. Boundary-layer wind tunnels enable simulations under standardized quasi-natural wind conditions and provide quantitative information on dust emission rates from the soils.…”

“…The typical application of these products is by spraying the solution on the soil surface at certain concentration (liter per square meter). Among the common dust-control materials, the hydrous-magnesium chloride (brine) is one of the most efficient application in preventing dust emission [8]. The adverse soil pollution and environmental footprint resulting from the use of the common dust-control materials are still unclear.…”

Occupational Exposure to Mineral Dust in Mining and Earthmoving Works: A Scoping Review

“…In contrast, fugitive dust is settled material transported by a the movement of machines or the wind [4]. It is known that dust emissions significantly impact air pollution and, consequently, human health [5]. Anthropogenic activities such as mining (and quarrying) and other earthworks involving off-road vehicles cause health-and-safety-related issues for the involved personnel, as well as environmental problems that can affect local communities [4,6].…”

“…The most common dust-control strategy is to spray water over the target area [27]. Literature also suggests spraying liquid calcium chloride [22], synthetic-polymer-based products [5], or foam [27] as an alternative to water. Other processes include paving gravel roads, planting grasses, and setting a wall near the extraction area [28].…”