Monthly Archives: January 2014

PM10 and PM2.5 definition

PM10 and PM2.5 Definition

The subset point is worth remembering.  The simplistic definition is probably a good idea for public forums but this could lead to problems if things get a bit technical.  D50 and aerodynamic diameter need to be considered when getting technical about PM2.5 and PM10 particulate, not to mention the density of the particles being considered.

 

Dust Control and Road Stabilization

Dust Control and Road Stabilization

Road Stabilization requires regular attention and due diligence.  There seem to various ways to achieve less dust on a gravel road or a Haul road.

 


The process is also quite labor intensive which raises the costs of application.

 

 

Particulate Matter and complicating factors relevant to the South African context

A great paper to read.

EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THE
COARSE PARTICULATE MATTER NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD

This paper shows part of the journey traveled by the EPA, agricultural, industrial and mining parties with regard to Particulate Matter Pollution.  Of interest and value for the South African context is the emphasis on reliable data.  To make critical decisions on erratic and potentially unrepresentative data is going to cause problems.

Air pollution is important enough err on the cautious or over protective side, but this will only work if all parties see the value in being over protective, or if the protection is funded by a central organisation.

The expense and time spent on monitoring in some cases may have been better spent on dust control and proactive particulate matter prevention.

The paper also highlights the important of natural events that can lead to high Particulate matter levels over a 24 hour period.  This is particularly relevant in South Africa where many areas are arid, farmers burn their lands before planting, and mountain fires are common.  In the Cape Town the strong winds keep the Particulate Matter levels down, but they build up quickly when there is a week with no strong winds.

http://www.beefusa.org/CMDocs/BeefUSA/Issues/PM%20Final%20PM10%20Report%200711.pdf

 

Inside and Outside PM10 concentration Correlations

Inside and Outside PM10 concentration Correlations

An interesting article.  Well researched and well written.  Inside and Outside PM10 concentration Correlations

http://www.academia.edu/981374/Particulate_matter_mass_concentration_PM10_under_different_ventilation_methods_in_classrooms

Real issues that come with using imported equipment for air quality management

An interesting link that looks at the “THE IMPACT OF MONITORING EQUIPMENT ON AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT CAPACITY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

The paper looks into the real issues in developing countries pertaining to the use of monitoring equipment and the use of the data as part of an air quality management program.

http://search.oecd.org/officialdocuments/displaydocumentpdf/?doclanguage=en&cote=com/env/td(2006)7/final