Assessment of Dust Concentration and Compounds at Quarry Sites in Akamkpa Cross River State, Nigeria

This study assessed dust concentration, elements and compounds at limestone quarry site and the aim was to determine the level of air pollution due to dust generated from quarrying activities, the elements and risks it poses to health and the environment. Dust samples were collected using a 224-PCXR4 sample pump and analyzed for concentrations and harmful elements/compounds constituents. The results shows that dust concentration at the quarry site was quite high on the average 51.56 mg/m3, when compared with the limit 10 mg/m3 and the study revealed that the crushing plant had more dust concentration of 92.5 mg/m3 than all the other working areas. Quarry pit had the second highest concentration, followed by garage and the office areas in descending order. three main harmful elements/compound detected in the sampled dust are; silicon dioxide with a mean concentration of 0.62 mg/m3, chromium 5.92 mg/m3 and lead 9.24 mg/m3 respectively.

The study recommends that environmental management systems, which include a dust management plan, should be employed at the quarries in order to mitigate dust generation. Particularly during drilling/blasting of rocks and at the crushing plant.