The release of fine particles during mechanical landfill mining (LFM) operations is a potential environmental pollution and human health risk. Previous studies demonstrate that a significant proportion (40–80% wt) of the content of fine soil-like materials within the size range <10 mm to 1, indicating the extent of pollution within the study area. The hazard quotient values indicated high exposure-related risks for Pb (16.95), Zn (3.56), Cd (1.47), and As (1.46) for allotment land use and As (1.96) for residential land use. The cancer-related risk values were higher than the acceptable range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁴. The cancer risk factor indicated that Cr and As were the major human health risk hazards.

This study addresses the pervasive issue of particulate matter (PM) emission in urban areas, proposing a better approach using scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques to identify plant species effective in airborne PM removal. Conducted in Bilaspur city, the research strategically selected six plant species across four distinct sites and applied the SEM-Image J method for analysis, yielding significant insights, especially in the respirable PM range. Among the tested plant species, Senna Siamea and Dalbergia Sissoo emerged as consistent and standout performers, displaying the highest PM removal efficiency across all sites. Notably, the smaller leaves of Senna siamea and Dalbergia sissoo prevent PM from being resuspended in the air by strong winds, enhancing their overall performance in combating PM pollution. The SEM-EDS analysis was then employed for morphological and chemical characterizations of the PM, revealing anthropogenic sources as the primary contributors to pollution. Hazardous elements, including arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), iron (Fe), indium (In), terbium (Tb), chlorine (Cl), and iodine (I), were identified, underscoring potential health risks associated with the PM composition. The study underscores the significance of SEM-EDS based plant selection for mitigating airborne PM pollution and improving air quality. Senna Siamea and Dalbergia Sissoo are identified as top choices for effective PM removal, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban environments. The findings contribute valuable insights into the chemical makeup of PM, facilitating a deeper understanding of its sources and potential health implications. Overall, this research serves as a crucial step in developing strategies to combat air pollution and fosters the creation of healthier and more sustainable urban environments.

Mining operations are one of the most significant sources of particulate emissions in the atmosphere. Landfill mining (LFM) process activities, including excavation, screening, shredding, and equipment handling, have the potential to emit particulate matter into the environment as short-term episodic emissions during operational periods. Previous investigations show that LFM activities can potentially cause human health and environmental impacts through exposure of these emissions. This paper evaluates the dust emission rate of such activities to understand factors responsible for higher emissions rate and determine where any pressure points exist in order to mitigate risk. Nine empirical formulas were adopted from surface mining activities, including point, line, and area sources of activity. Parameters identified in the equations were adjusted to LFM application conditions. From emission results, it is observed that point source activities were the major sources of emission. The study area was divided into multiple phases and one phase cumulative for the maximum/average/minimum point sources emissions over the lifetime of the landfill mining operation calculated in this study are approximately 5.04 tonnes (t) / 3.23 (t) / 1.61 (t), respectively. However, the one phase cumulative for the maximum/average/minimum line sources emissions over the lifetime of the landfill mining operation are approximately 100.8 (kg/m) / 40.32 (kg/m) / 20.16 (kg/m), respectively. Mitigation measures to control high emission rate of LFM related activity, such as utilising tankers or bowsers to spray water around the LFM area, to control airborne emissions, should be considered. The results of this research are expected to inform air dispersion modelling for environmental impact assessment studies of air pollution.

Landfill mining (LFM) is a strategy aimed at mitigating any remaining potential adverse environmental impact of landfill sites whilst also recovering untapped commodities and energy for utilisation, as well as freeing up land resources for beneficial use. Many studies have highlighted the hazardous potential of waste compounds found in several landfill sites. During LFM activities, such materials may be emitted into the surrounding environment predominantly through airborne dispersion if appropriate control measures are not implemented. Using an Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System (ADMS) specific for dust emission input parameter ranges, this study assessed the potential impact of LFM practices on air quality in relation to environmental and human health. The emission inventory included nine distinct LFM-related activities, comprising point, line, and area sources. A comprehensive statistical analysis of meteorological data collected at the study site between 2016 and 2019 was conducted to develop a set of representative meteorological scenarios. The research provided a novel approach to simulate airborne dust dispersion from LFM activities. Modelling results indicate that dust concentrations remained confined within the landfill boundary when considering a single phase of the working-face operation (approximately 3,000 m²). The findings also indicate that certain dust concentration levels exceeded the UK and EU PM10 Air Quality Strategy limit, particularly when accounting for background concentrations, hence posing a potential risk to human health and the environment.