Mineralogical and Chemical Tracing of Dust Variation in an Underground Historic Salt Mine

A UNESCO-recognized historic salt mine in Cienfuegos exhibits minimal atmospheric pollution underground, with dust composition primarily derived from natural geogenic sources. The study found that pollutants from surface air are quickly sedimented near the ventilation intake, while anthropogenic influences—such as tourist traffic—are localized and limited to specific areas. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP), researchers analyzed dust samples from 11 sites at varying distances from the air inlet. The findings highlight the mine's relative isolation from surface pollutants, with only one site showing elevated ferruginous particles due to tourist activity. This methodology offers universal applicability for similar underground environments.

Puławska, A., Manecki, M., & Flasza, M. (2021). Mineralogical and Chemical Tracing of Dust Variation in an Underground Historic Salt Mine. Minerals, 11(7), 686. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11070686