Quantification and Characterization of Particulate Matter Generated from Unpaved Roads in the Oil Development Area of Western North Dakota

Abstract

Western North Dakota, USA is experiencing particulate matter (PM) emissions, especially coarse (PM10) and fine (PM2.5), due to heavy traffic on unpaved roads from rapid oil development. Particulate matters may affect human and animal health, as well as soil quality. Thus, the purpose of this research was to quantify and characterize PM. Particulate matter samples were collected using miniVOL™ portable air samplers in the pre-conditioned quartz filters which were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electron Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS). The pooled average PM¬10 concentrations varied between 30.84 ± 14.19 to 70.42 ± 38.37 µg/m3 and PM2.5 concentrations varied between 14.08 ± 6.56 µg/m3 to 19.60 ± 7.51 µg/m3. SEM and EDS analysis revealed that most of the particulates were quartz (46%), followed by silicates (36%), biogenic particles (9%), etc. Soil analysis revealed that the average concentrations of most of the metals were below the reference level except mercury and lead.