Time variations of dust concentration and elemental composition in a gold mine

Dust samples were collected over a period of several weeks on a continuously moving strip of membrane filter (Florida State University streaker sampler type) in the return airway of an underground gold mine. The filters were then analysed stepwise by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), yielding elemental concentrations in the dust at 2 h intervals. Elements measured include Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb. Time sequence and average diurnal plots of elemental concentrations are presented. Results of multi-variate factor analysis provide insight into the source processes and materials. The possible sources of the Cl, Pb, Ca and Zn components in the dust are discussed, as is the relevance of these results to the proposed introduction of a gravimetric dust standard for South Africa gold mines. The results are presented to show how the quartz content of airborne dust may be estimated using energy-dispersive X-ray elemental measurements of Si, Al and K. © 1990 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.