Environmental Impact of Quarry Dust on Air and its Downstream Effects on Drinking Water Sources and Treatment Infrastructure

Abstract

This study investigates the environmental implications of quarry activities with a focus on air and water pollution in the surrounding communities. By employing a combination of field measurements and remote sensing techniques, the study assessed seasonal variations in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and key water quality indicators such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and nitrate concentration. The results reveal significantly elevated levels of particulate matter, particularly during the dry season and within 500 meters of quarry sites, surpassing recommended limits by the World Health Organization (WHO). Water samples from nearby streams and boreholes indicated contamination, with several parameters falling outside acceptable standards set by WHO and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Additionally, satellite-derived indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) confirmed vegetation degradation and moisture loss in proximity to quarry operations. These results highlight the urgent need for sustainable quarrying practices and robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard both environmental and public health in affected regions.