Effectiveness of Food Processing By-Products as Dust Suppressants for Exposed Mine Soils: Results from Laboratory Experiments and Field Trials

Abstract

In this study, the effectiveness of biodegradable food processing by-products (chicory vinasses, corn steep liquor, decantation syrup, and palatinose molasses) as dust suppressants on mine soils has been precisely quantified using controlled laboratory experiments and field trials. Laboratory experiments using a wind tunnel indicate that rainfall intensity and repetitive wetting and drying cycles affect the by-products’ effectiveness. In addition, field trials conducted using soil plots at an open-pit lignite mine (Germany) demonstrate that the tested biomaterials can effectively reduce dust emissions under field conditions, despite the fact that rainfall led to the leaching of the applied biomaterials, decreasing the additives’ concentrations on the soil surface and impairing the materials’ effectiveness to suppress wind erosion. Thus, food processing by-products may be used for short-term dust mitigation at mine sites and represent environmentally benign alternatives to dust control chemicals detrimental to the environment.