Characteristics of Agricultural Dust Emissions from Harvesting Operations: Case Study of a Whole-Feed Peanut Combine

The rapid development of peanut mechanization has increased the amount dust expelled from mechanized operations, which degrades air quality and endangers health agricultural workers. Therefore, purpose this study is to figure out characteristics emission harvesting. To end, particulate matters diameters ? 2.5 ?m ?10 total suspended particles were sampled in real time during harvesting Henan Province, China, airborne particle concentrations size distributions measured. discharged concentrated within 2~30 µm range. When wind speed was reduced below settling velocity largest particles, more massive carried downwind. free silica samples determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Both exceeded occupational exposure threshold limits. improve emission, microstructure dispersion also investigated. Reducing operations periods high speed, low crop-moisture content, humidity recommended for reducing results will provide guidance technical support emissions improving quality, hazards operators.