Monitoring of airborne particulates near industrial silica sand mining and processing facilities

ABSTRACT

To quantify risk of ambient exposure to airborne particulates around industrial silica sand operations, this study used EPA-certified federal reference method monitors to measure the levels of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 particulate matter. The monitoring sites were chosen based upon EPA siting criteria, dichotomous samplers were calibrated before and after sampling, and pre- and post-weight filter weights were recorded. PM_2.5 levels were significantly higher (paired t-tests) at both sites — averages of 7.70 ± 6.15 and 22.7 ± 31.714;µg/m³ — than concurrent background levels of 5.11 and 6.57µg/m³ respectively; and 98^th percentile values were 24.9 and 111 µg/m³, respectively. Average PM₁₀ levels were 24.2 and 49.0 µg/m³, and second-highest annual levels were 45.5 and 69.1 µg/m³ (two years) and 62.9 ug/m³ (2015) and 61.5 ug/m³ (2016), respectively for the two sites. Neither precipitation nor wind speed or direction appeared to affect PM_2.5 or PM₁₀ concentrations.

KEYWORDS:

• silica
• risk assessment
• air pollution
• dust
• exposure assessment particulate matter
• sand
• hydraulic fracturing
• mining
• PM2.5
• PM10
• ambient monitoring
• quartz
• FRM

Acknowledgments

The authors of this study would like to thank the University of Iowa for the loan of an EPA FRM instrument and contributors around the upper Midwest for funding the purchase of an additional instrument used in this study. Student and supply support was provided by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Additional information

Funding

Public and organization contributors around the upper Midwest.Funding Source: Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.