In Quebec, estimating emissions from road dust and open pit mining requires particle size distribution data. If you are preparing an emission inventory, supporting an ECA application, or responding to a regulatory request, you need reliable data on how much of your material falls into inhalable and respirable fractions.
Why Particle Size Distribution Matters
Granular materials such as:
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Road dust
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Crushed stone
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Sand and soil
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Recycled concrete
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Mine overburden and tailings
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Sawdust
can release fine particles during handling, transport, or wind erosion. For emission modelling, regulators are not only interested in total dust. They need to know the distribution across health-relevant fractions:
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PM100 (inhalable)
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PM10 (thoracic)
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PM4 (respirable)
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PM2.5
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PM1.0
These fractions are used to estimate emission factors and to assess environmental and occupational impact.
Our Approach
The method is based on ASTM D7928 – Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using Sedimentation Analysis.
While the standard describes hydrometer techniques, LCS Laboratory applies a refined gravimetric approach to improve sensitivity and repeatability, particularly for water-insoluble materials. The goal is simple: produce defensible data suitable for regulatory submissions and technical reports.
Technical Specifications
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Particle size range: 1 to 100 microns
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Fractions that can be targeted: PM100, PM10, PM4, PM2.5, PM1.0
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Detection resolution: 20 mg/kg
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Sample quantity: Typically 0.5 kg
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Container: Metal or plastic container, tightly sealed
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Reporting format: Weight fraction mg/kg for each size category
The report is structured so it can be directly incorporated into emission calculations and modelling documentation.
Additional Analysis of Extracted Fractions
If required, collected dust fractions can be further analyzed for specific contaminants, including:
- Lead and other metals
This is often useful for mining operations, construction material assessments, or risk evaluations.
Applications in Quebec
This test is commonly required for:
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Road dust emission estimation
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Open pit mining emission calculations
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Environmental impact assessments
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Air dispersion modelling inputs
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Support documentation for provincial regulatory submissions
If you are preparing documentation for Quebec authorities, make sure your particle size data is generated using a recognized and defensible method. If you need more information, or require a quote, please email us to discuss your future project. ©
