Dust Dispersion and Its Effect on Vegetation Spectra at Canopy and Pixel Scales in an Open-Pit Mining Area

Dust pollution is severe in some mining areas in China due to rapid industrial development. Dust deposited on the vegetation canopy may change its spectra. However, a relationship between canopy spectra and dust amount has not been quantitatively studied, and a pixel-scale condition for remote sensing application has not been considered yet. In this study, the dust dispersion characteristics in an iron mining area were investigated using the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory model (AERMOD). Further, based on the three-dimensional discrete anisotropic radiative transfer (DART) model, the spectral characteristics of vegetation canopy under the dusty condition were simulated, and the influence of dustfall on vegetation canopy spectra was studied. Finally, the dust effect on vegetation spectra at the canopy scale was extended to a pixel scale, and the response of dust effect on vegetation spectra at the pixel scale was determined under different fractional vegetation covers (FVCs). The experimental results show that the dust pollution along a haul road was more severe and extensive than that in a stope. Taking dust dispersion along the road as an example, the variation of vegetation canopy spectra increased with the height of dust deposited on the vegetation canopy. At the pixel scale, a lower vegetation FVC would weaken the influence of dust on the spectra. The results derived from simulation spectral data were tested using satellite remote sensing images. The tested result indicates that the influence of dust retention on the pixel spectra with different FVCs was consistent with that created with the simulated data. The finding could be beneficial for those making decisions on monitoring vegetation under dusty conditions and reducing dust pollution in mining areas using remote sensing technology.

Correction to: CO2 mineralization by burnt oil shale and cement bypass dust: effect of operating temperature and pre-treatment

The article CO2 mineralization by burnt oil shale and cement bypass dust: effect of operating temperature and pre-treatment, written by Can Rüstü Yörük, Mai Uibu, Mustafa Cem Usta, Tiit Kaljuvee, Andres Trikkel.

Arc Steel Furnace Operation at Changing Working Space Aerodynamic Flows

Results of the design analysis carried out using computer software are presented for boundary data complying with the currently operating state-of-the-art arc steel furnace. Flow of natural gas combustion products and oxygen are reviewed for the radial and tangential burner arrangement in the working space between the wall and the electrodes. Location of high temperature fields is determined and the expected heat transfer to the charge materials through the active surface participating in heat exchange is evaluated. Precipitation degree is determined for the dust participating in scull generation on a wall water-cooled surface and significant reduction of dust effect on electrodes.