Fine particle emissions from milled peat production

Abstract

Peat dust emissions and particle concentrations at different distances from a milled peat production field were studied for two different harvesting methods. The dust emissions were found to be sporadic. The momentary PM_2.5 concentrations, which varied up to 5 mg m^–3 near the operation area, depended on the operation and weather conditions as well as peat composition. By using the Fugitive Dust Model, PM_2.5 emission rates were estimated to range from 0.3 to 43 g s^–1. Wind erosion increased the PM_2.5 concentrations remarkably at wind speeds over 4 m s^–1. Using time activity data of the different operational phases the lowest fine particle emissions were observed from the milling phase and the highest in the harvesting phases, respectively. As compared with the present EU daily limit value, the concentrations further from the peat production field were estimated to be low. However, short term negative influences on living conditions in the neighbourhood of peat production areas may be possible under certain environmental conditions.