Biologically safe and environmentally friendly evaluation of dust suppressants by experimental assessment

Traditional dust suppressants are typically chemical agents, which suffer from poor biodegradability and potential toxicity. This study evaluates the anionic dust suppressant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), the nonionic fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether-9 (AEO-9), and the biological rhamnolipid in terms of wettability, biodegradability, and acute toxicity. Wettability was assessed by measuring surface tension using a foam interfacial rheometer. Biodegradation was evaluated via foam fluctuation rates after shaking with activated sludge. Acute toxicity was assessed through intratracheal instillation in mice, with median lethal dose (LD50) calculated using Horn’s method, and lung tissues analyzed histopathologically via Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining. The results demonstrated distinct differences in wettability, biodegradability, and acute toxicity among the dust suppressants. Wettability variations were reflected in equilibrium surface tension and critical micelle concentration (CMC). Biodegradation tests confirmed 100 % degradation for all agents, but with faster kinetics for rhamnolipid (26 h) than SDBS and AEO-9 (28 h). Acute toxicity, assessed via LD50 and histopathological analysis, revealed pulmonary toxic responses. This study proposes a comprehensive evaluation framework for dust suppressants, integrating wettability, biodegradability, toxicity, and histopathology. This framework proposes a systematic approach to differentiate environmental compatibility and biosafety, providing practical guidance for screening, optimization, and regulatory assessment in coal mining and related industries.