Modeling PM10 Emissions in Quarry and Mining Operations: Insights from AERMOD Applications in Malaysia

PM10 emissions have been a significant concern in rock crushing and quarry operations (study site #1) and iron ore mining projects (study site #2) in certain regions of Malaysia, posing fears to the health and well-being of nearby communities with severe air pollution. To address this issue, it is crucial to develop effective mitigation strategies to reduce dust particle emissions like PM10 in the ambient air. The AERMOD model was applied to predict PM10 emissions during quarry operations and iron ore mining projects, both with and without control measures. The results indicated that PM10 emissions were reduced when control measures were implemented. The modeling result shows the mean PM10 concentration with and without control measures in study site #1 is 74.85 µg/m3 and 20,557.69 µg/m3, respectively. In comparison, the average PM10 concentration with and without control measures in study site #2 is 53.95 µg/m3 and 135.69 µg/m3. Therefore, the control measure has successfully reduced the PM10 concentrations by 99.90% and 60.24% in study sites #1 and #2, respectively, and ensures the air quality complies with the Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guidelines (MAAQG) 24 h threshold limits at 100 µg/m3. In addition, the AERMOD modeling results showed that mitigation measures performed better in rock crushing and quarry operations than in iron ore mining projects in this case study.