Theisen, Daniel R., authorBrazile, William J., advisorTsai, Candace, advisorReynolds, Stephen J., committee memberHenry, Chuck, committee member2020-06-222020-06-222020https://hdl.handle.net/10217/208411This 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.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.miningnovelexposurerespirablenanoparticleText