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International Journal of Advanced Engineering Application

ISSN: 3048-6807

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Investigating the water mist as a potential solution for the dust settlement on the construction site

Author(s):Sashvat Seksaria1, Reetu Jain2

Affiliation: 1Researcher, Class of 2026, CS Academy, Kovaipudur, Coimbatore, India. 2Supervisor, On My Own Technology Pvt. Ltd., Lokhandwala, Mumbai, India

Page No: 29-41

Volume issue & Publishing Year: Volume 2 Issue 12 , Dec-2025

Journal: International Journal of Advanced Engineering Application (IJAEA)

ISSN NO: 3048-6807

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17949437

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Abstract:
Construction sites are great sources of particulate matter in airborne emissions, thereby causing greater health hazards among the workers involved and people who stay closer to such constructions. Some of the diseases caused as a result of exposure to respirable crystalline silica in construction dust include lethal respiratory diseases silicosis, lung cancers, and COPD. In the UK alone, more than 500 construction worker deaths are caused by silica exposure every year, and millions in the US face the same risks. Traditional dust suppression methods, such as water spraying and conventional dust collectors, often suffer from inefficiencies, excessive water usage, and limited effectiveness, particularly in regions with water scarcity. This study proposes an IoT-based mist-making system for dust suppression, which optimizes water usage while enhancing PM control efficiency on construction sites. A scale-model prototype was developed to replicate construction site conditions within a controlled 30x30 cm test box. The system consists of two GP2Y1014AU0F optical dust sensors to detect PM concentrations before and after mist deployment, a mist maker module to generate fine water droplets and a 70 CFM fan for air circulation. Experimentation was done using one to four mist makers. Results obtained showed a strong positive relationship between water usage and dust suppression efficiency. Specifically, the 15 ml and 20 ml water consumptions resulted in settling efficiencies of 15% and 18%, respectively. A considerable increase in the number of mist makers significantly enhanced the rate of dust settling. This work demonstrates the ability of the system to mitigate health risks and address water sustainability concerns, thus making it a practical and scalable solution for construction environments.

Keywords: Optical dust sensors, Construction sites, worker health hazards, IoT-based mist-making system, Dust suppression

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