Nuclear analytical techniques for identification of elemental composition of fine and coarse airborne particulate matter Collected in Bandung, Indonesia

Abstract

Air pollution has received serious attention from both the government and the public in Bandung, Indonesia. Nuclear analytical techniques (NAT) such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) have been implemented for the quantification of environmental pollutants, especially airborne particulate matter (APM). Sampling for fine APM (PM2.5) and coarse APM (PM2.5-10) have been conducted in Bandung using a GENT sampler, once a week for 24 hrs from 2015 to 2017. The samples were then analyzed for their mass, black carbon (BC), and elemental composition using gravimetric, smoke stain reflectometer, and ED-XRF, respectively. The results obtained indicate that the annual average of PM2.5 is in the range of 17.85-20.90 µg/m3 which has exceeded the Indonesian annual standard (15 µg/m3). While for PM10 it is still below the standard. Compared to PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 in 2002-2004, the concentration has increased by around 35% and 29%, respectively. This situation needs serious attention especially because of the adverse effects of PM2.5 on human health. The average BC fraction at PM2.5 is around 19%. In this paper, chemical composition, annual concentration trends, and correlations between elements will be discussed in detail including the advantages and disadvantages of the NATs method. For the next stage, this information can be used to identify sources of pollutants.