Evaluation of diesel particulate matter sampling techniques

Abstract

The study evaluated diesel particulate matter (DPM) sampling methods used in the South African mining industry. The three-piece cassette respirable, open face and stopper sampling methods were compared with the SKC DPM cassette method to find a comparable DPM sampling method for the non-coal mining industry. Controlled surface and underground static (i.e. area) and personal sampling studies were conducted. Triplicate analysis was carried out on each sampled filter using the NIOSH 5040 method to obtain elemental carbon, organic carbon and total carbon values. The results of the three-piece cassette sampling methods compared well with the SKC method and it was concluded that any of the three methods could be used to determine the DPM exposure of mineworkers in terms of the elemental carbon marker. In terms of standardising the DPM sampling methods for non-coal mining industries, the respirable method had certain advantages.