The Influence of Hard Coal Combustion in Individual Household Furnaces on the Atmosphere Quality in Pszczyna (Poland)

This study aimed to determine the influence of ashes produced in the combustion of hard coal and eco-pea coal in individual household furnaces on the air quality in the region under analysis. To achieve this objective, we analysed the chemical and mineral composition of ashes, suspended and respirable dusts with particular attention being paid to phases containing potentially toxic elements (PTE) (As, Cd, Pb, Se, Ni, Ba, Tl, S, Th and U), and sulphur. The research methods used included powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Measurements were taken for PM concentrations, total suspended particulate matter (TSP), gaseous TVOC pollutants (volatile organic compounds) and soot at various altitudes and a mobile laboratory with measuring apparatus placed in the basket of a manned hot-air balloon was used for the analysis. The use of Poland’s unique laboratory allowed us to obtain real-time measurements up to an altitude of 1200 m above sea level. Measurements using unmanned units such as drones do not enable such analyses. The research confirmed that PTE concentrations in ash and its mineral composition are varied. The PM10 and PM2.5 ashes are dominated by sodium chloride, particles containing C, and a substance composed of S + C + O + N + Na. Trace amounts of Pb and Zn sulphides are also present