Study Of Air Pollution Due To Magnesite in Salem District

ABSTRACT Opencast mining dominates metals, ores and building stones production in India. A survey was conducted to evaluate its local atmospheric impact. Modern opencast mining involves a high degree of mechanisation of the operations. Deep hole drilling, blasting of formations and sizing by crushing of the mineral are essential activities in most large open castmines. Heavy Earth Moving Machines (HEMM) are the essential features of all large open mines. Operation of HEMM, crushers and blasting causes environmental degradation from dust, noise and ground vibration Emissions data were utilized to compute dust generation due to different mining activities. Work zone air quality, ambient air quality and seasonal variations are described revealing high pollution potential due to suspended particulate matter (SPM) and consequent impact on human health. Air pollution control measures involve planning and implementing a series of preventive and suppressive measures in addition to dust extraction systems. Different abatement measures are enumerated. Pollution control by trees, the tolerance of trees to different air pollutants and plant species useful for controlling pollution are also discussed. There is a need for wider application of dust control chemicals on haul roads. Sustainable management of pollution can be achieved by the proper implementation of suggested abatement measures.Our study is in Salem district maganesite mine which is 10 km from city. The Ambient Air Quality has been monitored around the surrounding areas of the site. At all location, the PM2.5, PM10, SOx, NOx and CO values are found to be well within the limit. As the existing air quality measured during the season reveals the air quality is well within the limit and no new source will be added due to the proposed activity.