Identification and characterisation of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations at three areas in Penang Mainland

Particulate matter pollution has become a worldwide concern and generated attention among researchers to study on its sources of emissions, concentrations and behaviour in the atmosphere linked to the meteorological factors due to its hazardous effect toward environmental and human health. The present study focuses on the identification and characterization of particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 at three different locations in Penang Mainland namely residential area of Nibong Tebal, industrial area of Prai and roadside area of First Penang Bridge. 36 samples for each PM2.5 and PM10 were collected thrice per month on a 24-hour daily basis by using Low Volume Air Sampler started from June to September 2015. Meteorological data were obtained from the Meteorological Department of Penang. Descriptive statistical analysis and Spearman correlation were performed to summarize and characterize the collected PM2.5 and PM10 data and its relationship with the targeted meteorological parameters. Result shows that the overall mean mass concentrations for both particulate matter sizes are the highest at the roadside area followed by the industrial area and the residential area with value of 37.57 μg/m3, 31.96 μg/m3 and 10.88 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 45.24 μg/m3, 37.70 μg/m3 and 37.57 μg/m3 for PM10 respectively. Spearmen correlation coefficient concludes that meteorological parameters play a significant role in daily mass concentrations for both PM2.5 and PM10 where temperature and relative humidity are the most significant coefficients. Chemical components analysis for both PM2.5 and PM10 found that alkanes, carboxylic acids and phenols are the major components of particulate matter at all sampling areas and FTIR method was proven applicable to identify the functional groups of chemical components associated with particulate matter. Lastly, as particulate matter is the main pollutant of concern during the haze, this study provides information on its behaviour in the atmosphere linked to the meteorological parameters during the haze episode.