Aerial monitoring of atmospheric particulate matter produced by open-pit mining using low-cost airborne sensors

Mining is an economic activity that entails the production and displacement of significant amounts of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) during operations involving intense earthcrushing or earthmoving. As high concentrations of PM may have adverse effects on human health, it is necessary to monitor and control the fugitive emissions of this pollutant. This paper presents an innovative methodology for the online monitoring of PM10 concentrations in air using a low-cost sensor (LCS, 51 μgPM10/m3) could be released, and the PM10 can reach surrounding populations through long-distance transport driven by several processes being performed simultaneously. Strong dilution was also observed at high altitudes (> 50 m). Mean concentrations were found to be 22–89 μgPM10/m3, with peaks ranging from 86 to 284 μgPM10/m3. This study demonstrates the potential applicability of airborne LCSs in the high-resolution online monitoring of PM in mining, thus supporting environmental managers during decision-making against fugitive emissions in a cost-effective manner. [Display omitted] •Calibrated low-cost PM sensor was airlifted via unmanned aerial vehicle in a mine.•Influence of propellers on PM measurements was null at 3 m/s displacement speed.•Hourly high concentrations (>51 μgPM10/m3) were found near mining operations.•It has been demonstrated that PM10 from the mine reaches nearby towns.•A strong dilution of PM10 with height was observed.