Identification of cement in atmospheric particulate matter using the hybrid method of laser diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy

The production of cement is associated with the emissions of dust and particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NO_x), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds into the environment. People living near cement production facilities are potentially exposed to these pollutants, including carcinogens, although at lower doses than the factory workers. In this study we focused on the distribution of fine particulate matter, the composition, size patterns, and spatial distribution of the emissions from Spassk cement plant in Primorsky Krai, Russian Federation. The particulate matter was studied in wash-out from vegetation (conifer needles) using a hybrid method of laser diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that fine particulate matter (PM₁₀ fraction) extended to the entire town and its neighbourhood. The percentage of PM₁₀ in different areas of the town and over the course of two seasons ranged from 34.8% to 65% relative to other size fractions of particulate matter. It was further shown that up to 80% of the atmospheric PM content at some sampling points was composed of cement-containing particles. This links the cement production in Spassk-Dalny with overall morbidity of the town population and pollution of the environment.