Air Quality Assessment and Heavy Metal Pollution

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 95 views

Analysis of Heavy Metal Characteristics in Particulate Matter 10 Micron (PM10) in the Medan Industrial Estate (KIM) Phase I

Introduction

Air Quality Assessment and Heavy Metal Pollution

Particulate Matter 10 Micron (PM10) is a crucial parameter in assessing air quality, as it can significantly pollute the environment. The Medan Industrial Estate (KIM) Phase I is a region of high industrial activity, which can lead to increased levels of PM10 and associated heavy metal pollutants. In this study, we aimed to analyze the characteristics of heavy metals contained in PM10 in the KIM Phase I area.

Methodology

To measure the concentration of PM10, high volume water sampler (HVAS) was used with the gravimetric method for 24 hours at several sampling points, including in front of PT. SOCI, Gang Mahmud, and in front of PT. Mas season. The measurement results showed the concentration of PM10 at each location to be 305.5 μg/nm³, 66.04 μg/nm³, and 382 μg/nm³, respectively.

Heavy Metal Detection

The study detected various types of heavy metals, including silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), boron (B), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), potassium (K), lanthanum (La), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), tin (Sn), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn). The results of the analysis showed that aluminum (Al) had the highest concentration, while chromium (Cr) recorded the lowest concentration.

Effect of Pollutant Sources on Heavy Metal Content

Correlation Analysis

To evaluate the relationship between pollutant sources and the presence of heavy metals in PM10, a correlation test was carried out. The results showed a strong positive correlation between mercury heavy metals (Hg) and the number of vehicles in the area, with a value of R = 0.624. This indicates that the increase in the number of vehicles contributes to the increase in the content of Hg in PM10.

Industrial Activity and Heavy Metal Levels

In addition, the correlation between heavy metals arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) with industrial activity showed a strong positive relationship, with R values between 0.858 to 0.92. This confirms that the existence of industry is very influential on increasing heavy metal levels in PM10 found in the ambient air of the KIM Phase I area.

Conclusion

Significance of the Study

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the characteristics of heavy metals in PM10 in the KIM Phase I area showed a significant variation, with some heavy metals having a higher concentration than others. Also, a strong relationship was found between pollutant sources, both from vehicles and industrial activities, to the presence of heavy metals in the air. This knowledge is very important for managing air quality and controlling pollution in the industrial area.

Recommendations

The community and stakeholders are expected to use this information to formulate effective mitigation steps to reduce the impact of air pollution. This can include implementing measures to reduce the number of vehicles in the area, increasing industrial waste management practices, and promoting the use of cleaner energy sources.

Limitations of the Study

Future Research Directions

While this study provides valuable insights into the characteristics of heavy metals in PM10 in the KIM Phase I area, there are several limitations that should be addressed in future research. These include the need for more frequent and longer-term sampling, as well as the inclusion of additional sampling points to better represent the area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of monitoring and managing air quality in industrial areas, particularly in regions with high levels of heavy metal pollution. By understanding the characteristics of heavy metals in PM10 and their relationship with pollutant sources, we can develop effective strategies to reduce the impact of air pollution and promote a healthier environment for communities.

References

[1] World Health Organization. (2018). Air pollution. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/air-pollution
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Particulate Matter (PM). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pm
[3] Medan Industrial Estate (KIM) Phase I. (2020). Environmental Impact Assessment. Retrieved from https://www.kim.co.id

Appendices

[Appendix 1] PM10 Concentration Results
[Appendix 2] Heavy Metal Detection Results
[Appendix 3] Correlation Analysis Results

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Heavy Metal Characteristics in Particulate Matter 10 Micron (PM10) in the Medan Industrial Estate (KIM) Phase I

Q: What is Particulate Matter 10 Micron (PM10)?

A: PM10 is a type of air pollutant that consists of small particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. These particles can come from various sources, including industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and natural sources.

Q: Why is PM10 a concern?

A: PM10 can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. It can also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and other air pollutants.

Q: What are heavy metals?

A: Heavy metals are a group of elements that are dense and have a high atomic mass. They can be toxic to humans and the environment, and are often found in industrial waste and emissions.

Q: What heavy metals were detected in this study?

A: The study detected various types of heavy metals, including silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), boron (B), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), potassium (K), lanthanum (La), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), tin (Sn), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn).

Q: What was the highest concentration of heavy metal detected in this study?

A: The highest concentration of heavy metal detected in this study was aluminum (Al).

Q: What was the lowest concentration of heavy metal detected in this study?

A: The lowest concentration of heavy metal detected in this study was chromium (Cr).

Q: What is the relationship between pollutant sources and heavy metal content in PM10?

A: The study found a strong positive correlation between mercury heavy metals (Hg) and the number of vehicles in the area, as well as between heavy metals arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) with industrial activity.

Q: What are the implications of this study for air quality management in the Medan Industrial Estate (KIM) Phase I?

A: The study highlights the importance of monitoring and managing air quality in industrial areas, particularly in regions with high levels of heavy metal pollution. By understanding the characteristics of heavy metals in PM10 and their relationship with pollutant sources, we can develop effective strategies to reduce the impact of air pollution and promote a healthier environment for communities.

Q: What are some potential solutions to reduce the impact of air pollution in the KIM Phase I area?

A: Some potential solutions include implementing measures to reduce the number of vehicles in the area, increasing industrial waste management practices, and promoting the use of cleaner energy sources.

Q: What are some limitations of this study?

A: Some limitations of this study include the need for more frequent and longer-term sampling, as well as the inclusion of additional sampling points to better represent the area.

Q: What are some future research directions for this study?

A: Some future research directions include conducting more frequent and longer-term sampling, as well as including additional sampling points to better represent the area. Additionally, further research is needed to understand the health impacts of heavy metal exposure in the KIM Phase I area.

Q: How can the community and stakeholders use this information to promote a healthier environment?

A: The community and stakeholders can use this information to formulate effective mitigation steps to reduce the impact of air pollution, such as implementing measures to reduce the number of vehicles in the area, increasing industrial waste management practices, and promoting the use of cleaner energy sources.

Q: What are some potential benefits of reducing air pollution in the KIM Phase I area?

A: Some potential benefits of reducing air pollution in the KIM Phase I area include improved public health, reduced economic costs associated with air pollution, and a healthier environment for communities.

Q: What are some potential challenges to reducing air pollution in the KIM Phase I area?

A: Some potential challenges to reducing air pollution in the KIM Phase I area include the need for significant changes in industrial practices and policies, as well as the need for increased public awareness and engagement.

Q: How can the community and stakeholders work together to reduce air pollution in the KIM Phase I area?

A: The community and stakeholders can work together to reduce air pollution in the KIM Phase I area by sharing information, coordinating efforts, and advocating for policies and practices that promote a healthier environment.