PIXE characterization of airborne dust in the mining environment

The purpose of this project was to apply PIXE analytical techniques to the characterization of airborne dust in the underground gold-mining environment. Three particle samplers were used: the Florida State University streaker sampler, the single orifice cascade impactor and the stacked filter unit (SFU). These instruments had been developed by other laboratories for environmental sampling in conjunction with PIXE analysis. Results presented show the useful and complementary nature of the information obtained in the mining environment by this combination of sampling and analytical techniques. New information on chemical associations in mine aerosols was obtained, including the identification of Cl as a major aerosol component in the mines sampled. Time variations of elemental concentrations are presented at one hour intervals for a seven day period. Multivariate factor analysis was applied to this data matrix, resulting in the identification of five processes/sources contributing to aerosol variability. Arguments are presented that PIXE analysis could form the basis for an element-specific air quality standard in mining environments. © 1987.