Hygienic study and forecast of atmospheric air pollution with sulfur compounds in the areas of sulfide-containing tailings

Abstract

This article is devoted to the topical problem of the release into the atmosphere of mixtures of sulfur compounds from decommissioned facilities for the disposal of waste from the processing of sulfide ores of non-ferrous and noble metals. The purpose of the research was a hygienic study and forecast of atmospheric air pollution by volatile sulfur compounds emitted by decommissioned waste disposal facilities for processing sulfide ores of non-ferrous and precious metals, for information support of the system of medical and preventive technologies in mining regions. The objects of the study were two decommissioned tailing dumps of enterprises for the processing of gold ores. The assessment of the actual pollution of the surface layer of the atmosphere with dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl sulfoxide, carbon disulfide, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide was carried out according to under-flare observations. Non-linear models given by second and third order polynomials were used to predict pollution levels. A theoretical analysis of the in ‑ formation presented in the scientific literature on the interaction of structural elements of natural and technical systems that make up the mechanism of atmospheric pollution at the post-operational stage of mining technogenesis has been carried out. Based on a systematic analysis of under-flare observations conducted in the areas of location of two tailings of gold ore production, lists of priority sulfur compounds to be controlled, distinctive features of zonal atmospheric pollution for different forms of terrain adjacent to the sources were identified, non-linear models of the distribution of concentrations of priority pollutants in the surface were constructed. layer of the atmosphere, allowing a probabilistic quantitative assessment of pollution halos and inhalation risks to public health. The scientific information obtained as a result of a comprehensive study is intended for information support of the system of medical and preventive technologies in mining regions.