Wind erosion from tailings and mass transport of deposited aerosol particles from sleag heap in Mitrovica air

AFRIM SYLA(1), Petrit Januzi(2)

(1) University of Prishtina, (2) University of Prishtina- Republic of Kosova

     Abstract Number: 479
     Last modified: May 13, 2010

Abstract
The present environmental situation in Mitrovica, put as in front of the responsibility to act more rationally towards nature and to be more responsible towards the protection of the environment for future generations. The protection lack of environment during the last ten years, as well as the conflict in Kosova os the origin of huge problems regarding present environmental situation in Mitrovica (Kosova). The city of Mitrovica, approcimately 40 km north of Prishtina, was the site of one the largest lead smelters in Europe. known as the Mitrovica Industrial Park), three concentrators (Leposavic,Tuneli i pare and Garcanica), and 8 mines.These facilities are located in this area south of Prishtina, also know as the southern chain the area in the vicinity of Mitrovica, the central chain, and the facilities in northern Kosovo The Trepca mining complex includes two refineries (the Zvecan lead smelter and the zink refinery, also or the northern chain.
The Tailing piles from the three concentrators (Leposavic,Tuneli I Pare and Gracanica) need to be further evaluated for stability, erosion, leaching of acid water, and reclamation. This must include the current channelization of tailings and water originating from the concentrators in order to prevent further deterioration of the tailings. As mentioned for the Tuneli i Parë concentrator, the tailings dams need to be evaluated for stability, erosion, leaching of acid water, and reclamation. This must include the current channelization of tailing and water originating from the concentrators in order to prevent further deterioration of the tailings. Deposition of windblown contaminated dust, resulting in secondary contamination of nearby soils, crops and residential property represents a potentially significant exposure pathway. The WHO Air Quality Guidelines (WHO, 2000) indicate that blood-lead levels begin to increase if the lead deposition rate is greater than 250µg/m²-day. Dust deposition gauges were deployed to measure deposition at various location near potential wind erosion sources and in heavily populated areas. Wind erosion from tailings and other waste bodies, and traffic-generated fugitive dust from roadways can contribute to both direct inhalation and deposition exposure pathways. Wind erosion was assessed using USEPA emission factor analysis method for Industrial Wind Erosion