# Air Quality Predictions through Mathematical Modeling for Iron Ore Mine Project
## 5 Conclusions  
The ISCST3 model effectively simulated air quality impacts from an iron ore mine during the construction phase, proving to be the best-suited model for flat terrain and short-term applications. The model predicted that calculated SPM and PM\({}_{10}\) concentrations remained within national standards, although localized exceedances in Tiroda and Nanos Villages further highlighted the need for targeted mitigation.  
During the operational phase, the implementation of green belt barriers, water sprinklers on haul roads and dumps, wet loading of ore and overburden, and Water Mist Technology (WMT) was effective for dustsuppression. Comparing emissions during construction and operation phases with the distance of the villages revealed that, despite increasing particulate matter in the Core Zone during mining, only a minor increase was  
Figure 11: (**a**) Relationship of SPM monitored in the two phases with distance. (**b**) Relationship of PM\({}_{10}\) monitored in the two phases with distance.  
Figure 12: Relationship between the SPM and PM\({}_{10}\) ratios in the Core Zone.  
observed in surrounding villages. The highest incremental SPM concentration, 172 \(\mathrm{\SIUnitSymbolMicro g}\)/m\({}^{3}\), was observed in Tiroda Village, 0.44 km north of the mine, establishing the effectiveness of mitigation measures in minimizing particulate matter generation and dispersion.  
Furthermore, the strong logarithmic correlation between SPM and PM10 indicated that continuous and adaptive mitigation measures, along with continuous air quality monitoring, are crucial for maintaining air quality standards throughout the project's life cycle and ensuring sustainability. The findings can be useful for evolving sustainable mining practices, balancing economic gains with the environment and safeguarding public health.  
Future research can focus on more comprehensive modeling techniques, considering area sources and barriers, and conducting long-term health impact studies. Advanced air quality modeling with IoT-based sensing devices, integrating machine learning methods to such databases with enhanced predictive capabilities.  
The following supporting information can be downloaded at [[https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app14135922/s1](https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app14135922/s1)]([https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app14135922/s1](https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app14135922/s1)), Figure S1: (**a**) Water Mist Technology (**b**) Dust suppression by Water Tankers (**c**) Sprinklers along the Haul road (**d**) Covering of Stockpiles (**e**) Sprinklers on dumps (**f**) Vegetation Barriers; Figure S2: Health Surveillance (**a**) PPE with personal Air Quality Monitoring device (**b**) Air Monitoring station; Table S1: Mixing Heights.  
Conceptualization, N.K.K. and B.S.C.; methodology, N.K.K. and B.S.C.; software, N.K.K. and P.P.; formal analysis, N.K.K., B.S.C. and P.P.; resources, N.K.K. and B.S.C.; data curation, N.K.K.; writing--original draft, N.K. and B.S.C.; writing--review and editing, N.K.K. and P.P.; supervision, B.S.C.; funding acquisition, N.K.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research received no external funding.  
Not applicable.  
The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors on request.  
This work is a part of the Ph.D. thesis of the first author. The authors express gratitude to the Director IIT-ISM Dhanbad and the Director, CSIR-CIMFR for their approval to publish the research work. We are also thankful to the mine management for their help, which was instrumental in facilitating the research activities necessary to complete this research work successfully. We are highly thankful to [PERSON], from CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad, India--826001; [EMAIL_ADDRESS], Academy of Excellence in Scientific Research, Ghaziabad, for his extensive help in improving the manuscript to the best of his knowledge.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.