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Characterization of nanoparticles generated from drilling activities within a sub-surface mine using a novel sampler

Date

2020

Authors

Theisen, Daniel R., author
Brazile, William J., advisor
Tsai, Candace, advisor
Reynolds, Stephen J., committee member
Henry, Chuck, committee member

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Abstract

This study employed nanoparticle sampling techniques to characterize the aerosol generated from a routine mining activity. A preliminary survey of the particle emission from the feed-leg drilling activity was conducted in the excavations of an experimental mine. The level of particulate exposure was sampled using a novel sampler for respirable and nanometer sized particles; and monitored by direct reading real time instruments. A NanoScan scanning mobility particle sizer (measurement range 10-420 nm) and an optical particle sizer (measurement range 0.3-10 µm) were used. Particulate morphological and structural examination of samples collected with the novel nanoparticle sampler and a thermophoretic sampler was conducted through transmission and scanning electron microscopy and x-ray dispersive analysis. Based on the real-time instrument data, the researchers found high concentrations (> 3.5 x 106 particles/cm3) of ultrafine/nanoparticles generated from the drilling activity. A large amount of submicron silica, spherical primary and agglomerated particles rich in carbon were discovered via analysis of particle sampler specimens with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Many particle agglomerates contained primary particles less than 100 nm. Exposure to particles in the nanometer size from various sources within the mining environment has not been well characterized and may be associated with respiratory and systemic disease among miners.

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Subject

mining
novel
exposure
respirable
nanoparticle

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