CAO Cong-miao, YAN Li-na*, ZHANG Ju-quan, ZUO Hao, LI Zhen-ning

(College of resources, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang 050031, China)

Abstract: Atmospheric dust can harm the ecological environment and human health. Mineral particle is not only the main component of atmospheric dustfall, but also a key marker for identifying the source of pollutant. Therefore, to find out mineral compositions of atmospheric dusts will have important guiding significance for improving the ecological environment and will be helpful to provide reasonable opinions and suggestions for preventing and controlling atmospheric dustfall and protecting the environment. In this paper, the mineral composition, chemical composition and microstructure of atmospheric dusts collected in the southeastern Shijiazhuang have been studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy spectrum (SEM-EDX). The results show that the atmospheric dusts have sheeted, columned, tabular, and sphered particles which consist of minerals including silicates, carbonates, sulfates, and less previously reported calcium fluorophosphates. The above mineral particles are sourced from both nature and human activities such as building materials, coal combustion and motor vehicle emissions.

Keywords: Atmospheric dustfall; Mineral particles; Phase composition; Microtopographic characteristics; Environmental significance

ACTA MINERALOGICA SINICA Vol. 39, No.3, 2019, page 320-326