ABSTRACT:
South Africa plays a major role in the global gold mining industry. Gold mining generates substantial volumes of waste material, which are stored in Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs). These facilities are recognised as contributors to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can be transported to nearby communities. PM2.5 are particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less. These fine particles are associated with adverse health outcomes. This study assessed the potential health risks associated with PM2.5 exposure in eMbalenhle. Ambient PM2.5 concentrations were measured one year using Clarity Node-S low-cost monitors. Meteorological data were obtained from the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS). The dispersion of PM2.5 emissions was simulated using the AERMOD. Soil samples collected from TSFs and residential areas were analysed for heavy metal content using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Source contributions were estimated using the Absolute Principal Component Scores–Multiple Linear Regression (APCS–MLR) approach. The findings showed seasonal variability, with elevated PM2.5 concentrations during winter and lower levels in summer at both the TSFs and community sites. Dispersion modelling predicted maximum 24-hour and annual average concentrations of 11 µg/m³ and 3.4 µg/m³, respectively, under worst-case conditions. Analysis of soil samples showed higher mean concentrations of Chromium, Arsenic, Lead, Uranium, and gold at TSFs compared to residential areas. Source apportionment results indicated that mining activities were the dominant contributors to Au (92.7%), As (93.3%), U (93.3%), and Cr (88.3%) at TSFs. Estimated lifetime cancer risks for elderly males and females indicated that nearly 100,000 individuals per million exposed elders may experience an increased cancer risk. Based on these findings, the study recommends undertaking detailed elemental characterisation of fine particles to refine long-term health risk estimates.