https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2367-9661
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ABSTRACT
Airborne particles in urban Palangka Raya, Kalimantan from Oct 2011 until Oct 2020 have been collected and analyzed for PM2.5, PM10, and Black Carbon (BC) concentrations. Palangka Raya is a city that serves the capital of the Central Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo. Kalimantan is affected by peat fires that occur periodically. There were identified increases in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations during El Niño periods. During the forest fire episode in September – October 2015, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations increased significantly, to nearly 400 µg/m3 and 800 µg/m3, respectively, and visibility in the city was reduced to < 0.2 miles. The highest BC concentrations were observed during this massive forest fires episode. The regression analyses for PM2.5, PM10 and visibility in Palangka Raya during the period of 2011–2020, showed a non-linear correlation with reduction in visibility due to increased PM2.5 and PM10. There was no correlation for BC with visibility. Air quality in Palangka Raya was at a relatively good level with concentrations below the national ambient air quality standard when there were no forest fires event. Emissions from forest fires caused a substantial reduction in air quality reaching concentrations well above ambient air quality standards and are likely to have caused adverse health effects on the people living in the area.
Implications: Indonesia has repeatedly experienced forest fires, especially on Kalimantan and Sumatera Islands, which burned large areas of peatland. The forest fires leading to increasing PM concentrations especially in the PM2.5 size range which influence visibility. The seasonal variations of BC in Palangka Raya and the relationships of fine particulates with visibility were assessed. The results of regression analyses for PM2.5 and PM10 to visibility during the period of 2011-2020 showed non-linear relationships. An increasing of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations during El Nino periods were detected well above the ambient air quality standard. To ensure effective and continued handling and prevention of forest and peatland fires, the government set up a special task force and review on several rules, including laws and government regulations as well as governor regulations that permit the burning of forest and peatland areas. These results are expected to be used to formulate more effective mitigations in reducing forest fires events in Indonesia.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank the National Nuclear Energy Agency, BATAN, Indonesia for the technical and financial support for this research. The authors gratefully thank the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for providing funding specifically through the TC INS7007 and TC INS1029 projects. The authors also would like to acknowledge all the staff that have been involved and assisted this study from Center for Applied Nuclear Science and Technology and Environmental Protection Agency of Palangka Raya city. The main contributors of this manuscript are Muhayatun Santoso, Philip K Hopke, Endah Damastuti, Syukria Kurniawati and Diah Dwiana Lestiani.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability statement
The data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.
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Notes on contributors
Muhayatun Santoso
Muhayatun Santoso is a Research Professor in Air Quality and Nuclear Analytical Technique application in Center for Applied Nuclear Science and Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) of Indonesia.
Philip K. Hopke
Philip K. Hopke is the Bayard D. Clarkson Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Clarkson University and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Endah Damastuti
Endah Damastuti is a Junior Researcher in Nuclear Analytical Technique application in Center for Applied Nuclear Science and Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) of Indonesia.
Diah Dwiana Lestiani
Diah Dwiana Lestiani is a Senior Researcher in Nuclear Analytical Technique application in Center for Applied Nuclear Science and Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) of Indonesia.
Syukria Kurniawati
Syukria Kurniawati is a Junior Researcher in Nuclear Analytical Technique application in Center for Applied Nuclear Science and Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) of Indonesia.
Indah Kusmartini
Indah Kusmartini is a Research Assistant in Center for Applied Nuclear Science and Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) of Indonesia.
Djoko Prakoso
Djoko Prakoso is a Research Assistant in Center for Applied Nuclear Science and Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) of Indonesia.
Dyah Kumalasari
Dyah Kumala Sari is a Research Assistant in Center for Applied Nuclear Science and Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) of Indonesia.
Ahmad Riadi
Ahmad Riadi is a Head of Environmental Laboratory Regional Technical Implementing Unit, The Environmental Agency of Palangka Raya City, Palangka Raya, Indonesia.