Ambient air concentration of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in Bandung and Lembang in 2000 - 2006

Air quality in several big cities in Indonesia has become worse due to the increase of urbanization, economy activities, population growth and transportation. This could impact on human health, climate forcing, visibility and inter-regional transport; therefore it should get a prior attention from government, private sector and society to be actively involved in improving air quality activities. In this paper, the measurement results of ambient air concentration of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in Bandung and Lembang from 2000 to 2006 will be discussed. Samples were collected using Gent Stacked Filter Unit sampler in two size fractions of Nuclepore filters of < 2.5 µm (fine) and 2.5 to 10 µm (coarse), with sampling interval of twice a week in two locations BATAN - Bandung and Meteorogical and Geophysical Station – BMG Lembang. The samples were analyzed for mass concentration using gravimetric method. The results from both sampling sites showed that there are PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentration increase due to the increase of pollutant sources such as vehicles numbers and fuel use for industries. For sampling site Bandung the increasing of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentration was happened in 2005 while in Lembang was happened in 2004. The annual average concentrations of PM_2.5 in Bandung for 2000 - 2006 were 12.29; 14.01; 14.12; 14.35; 13.95; 18.99 and 20.33 µg/m³ respectively, while in Lembang were 8.83; 9.28; 9.29; 9.21; 14.51; 14.42 and 14.95 µg/m³ respectively. The annual average concentrations of PM₁₀ in Bandung for 2000 - 2006 were 26.23; 29.82; 33.08; 31.79; 29.72; 36.77 and 35.60 µg/m³ respectively, while in Lembang were 12.56; 11.11; 11.41; 10.68; 25.78 and 24.62 µg/m³ respectively. The ratio of PM_2.5/PM₁₀ in Bandung and Lembang for 2000 - 2006 was around 48% and 60% respectively. The annual average concentration of PM_2.5 in Bandung since 2005 was higher than the national air ambient standard for annual PM_2.5 (15 µg/m³), while at Lembang site is still below the national standard but it should be paid attention cause it showed there was an increasing trend in every year. (author)