Abstract

A study was undertaken in the area around a cement factory to assess the effect of cement kiln dust on the soil. Cement dust deposit varied with direction and distance from the kiln. The effect of cement kiln dust was comparatively high in east than south, west and north around the factory. In the eastern direction, the effect was more pronounced in the first two horizons. The cement dust showed an increase in bulk density and particle density and a decrease in porosity in E1 and E2 pedons. High values of pH and EC were recorded for the E1 and Ez pedons. Cation exchange capacity, exchange capacity, exchangeable Ca and K were also found to be high in E and Ez compared to all other pedons in all the four directions. Pedons E1 and E2 recorded comparitively higher content of free CaCO3, sesquioxides and acid insolubles.

Keywords: Cement dust, dust pollution, air pollution