Influence of a nickel smelter plant on the mineralogical composition of attic dust in the Tikveš Valley, Republic of Macedonia

Boev, Blažo; Stafilov, Trajče; Bačeva, Katerina; Šorša, Ajka; Boev, Ivan

doi:10.1007/s11356-012-1318-x

Influence of a nickel smelter plant on the mineralogical composition of attic dust in the Tikveš Valley, Republic of Macedonia

Journal

Environmental science and pollution research international

Date Issued

2013-06

Author(s)

Boev, Blažo

Stafilov, Trajče

Bačeva, Katerina

Šorša, Ajka

Boev, Ivan

DOI

10.1007/s11356-012-1318-x

Abstract

Mineral phases and their content were determined in attic dust samples collected from 27 houses in the Tikveš Valley, Republic of Macedonia. By using quantitative X-ray diffraction, the principal mineral phases were determined to be the serpentinite group (chrysotile, lizardite) and amphibole group of minerals (ribecite, tremolite, actinolite) present in the attic dust samples from this region which are not common constituents of urban dust. Strong correlations existed between these mineral phases in the dust and those in ores processed at a ferronickel smelter plant situated in this region. Spatial distributions of specific mineral phases were made and were consistent with wind directions and predicted deposition (60-70 %) of dust emitted from the metallurgical plant.