Mineralogical and Chemical Tracing of Dust Variation in an Underground Historic Salt Mine

The aim of this study was to investigate the causes evolution atmospheric dust composition in an open-to-public subterranean site (UNESCO-recognized historic mine) at increasing distances from air intake. role components imported with surface compared natural and anthropogenic sources inside mine. Samples deposited were directly collected flat surfaces 11 carefully selected sites. morphological, mineralogical, chemical characteristics obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP). showed that underground salt mine free pollutants present ambient on surface. Most sucked into by ventilation system (regular dust, particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, biogenic particles, etc.) underwent quick instantaneous sedimentation close vicinity inlet settled interior primarily consisted geogenic locally derived weathering host rock (halite, anhydrite, aluminosilicates). This confirmed low values enrichment factors (EF) calculated for minor trace elements. Only one site, due tourist railroad associated local intensive traffic, represented elevated concentrations ferruginous particles accompanied metals (P, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pb, W). gravitational deposition these limits effects emissions range. used methodology results are universal might also apply other mines, caves, or installations museums, tourists, speleotherapeutic purposes.