Volume 28, Issue 3-4, September 2024
PARTICULATE AIR POLLUTION IN CENTRAL SERBIA AND SOME PROPOSED MEASURES FOR THE RESTORATION OF DEGRADED AND DISTURBED MINING AREAS
Authors: Ivana Mihalj, Stamenko Šušak, Tamara Palanački Malešević, Tamara Važić, Tamara Jurca, Dragoslav Pavić, Jelica Simeunović, Aleksandra Vulin, Jussi Meriluoto, Zorica Svirčev
Abstract: Mining causes soil degradation, particle emission, and air and water quality deterioration. This study estimates some health risks in districts of Central Serbia affected by surface mining activities, and proposes measures for land restoration. The epidemiological risk assessment was based on data for seven cancers and three cardiovascular diseases during 2010 – 2020. Results showed a statistically significant increase in the incidence of lung and bronchial cancer in critical districts. Borski district stood out with the highest incidence rates for cardiovascular diseases. The suspected role of particulate air pollution from the mining industry in health deterioration calls for intensified air quality monitoring and development of mitigation technologies. A restoration strategy called the Pan-Life-Carpet technology is proposed for the restoration of mining areas and for air and water pollution control.
Keywords: mining regions, environmental pollution, particulate matter, recultivation, biocrusts, cyanobacteria
Article info:
Received: April 19, 2024| Revised: September 18, 2024| Accepted: September 19, 2024