Abstract View
Quantifying the Air Quality Benefit of a Novel Dust Suppression Technique
JASON MIECH, Matthew Fraser, Pierre Herckes, Arizona State University
Abstract Number: 389
Working Group: Control and Mitigation Technology
Abstract
Fugitive dust generated by wind passing over disturbed soils, such as those located at construction sites and landfills is a common problem found in arid environments like the Southwestern United States. In Maricopa County specifically, this fugitive dust contributes so much to the particulate matter in the air that the EPA has labeled the county as an air quality non-attainment zone. Current mitigation techniques include frequent spraying of the soil with water or a magnesium chloride solution. These techniques carry several disadvantages such as using large volumes of water, environmental issues due to frequent truck use and resulting emissions, and their limited effectiveness. Researchers at the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics at ASU have developed a novel soil stabilization technique called Enzyme Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP). This solution offers a one-and-done, cost-effective, and sustainable application that forms a calcium carbonate crust on top of the at-risk soil to prevent erosion and dust entrainment.
This presentation will cover the air quality impacts from field applications of the EICP solution over a month-long period at the Apache Junction Landfill and preliminary results from a long-term monitoring period at the Salt River Landfill. Plots of land were observed at the landfills to test the effectiveness of the EICP solution against controls. The air quality, specifically PM10, was monitored at both sites with Clarity Air Sensors. In the short-term study there was no statistical difference detected between the treated and untreated plots during high wind periods. This led to the conclusion that the soil at this landfill was not being liberated by wind and contributing to the PM10 concentration. For the long-term study, a wind sensor and air samplers will be deployed, while chemical analysis of the soil and collected PM10 will be performed to determine the environmental impact of the EICP solution.