Analysis Of Carbon Monoxide (CO) And Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Pollutants In The Kualanamu International Airport Area

Introduction

The operation of airports has a significant impact on the environment, particularly in terms of ambient air quality. In the Kualanamu International Airport area, North Sumatra Province, air pollution is a major concern. The main sources of pollutants in this area come from aircraft engine exhaust gas and motorized vehicles that produce carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). This study aims to calculate the concentration of CO and CO2 pollutants, measure the burden of emissions from aircraft and motorized vehicles, and predict the contribution of both to air quality in the airport area.

Background

Air pollution is a significant environmental issue in the Kualanamu International Airport area. The main sources of pollutants in this area come from aircraft engine exhaust gas and motorized vehicles. These pollutants can have negative impacts on human health and the environment. Long-term exposure to pollutants such as CO and CO2 can cause various health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, it is essential to manage air quality in the airport area.

Methodology

The methods used in this study include quantitative and qualitative approaches. For estimated emissions loads from motorized vehicles, vehicle volume and emission factors taken from literature are used, while for aircraft, the Tier-2 method is used. Data analysis is carried out with statistics, including correlation tests and linear regression, in order to determine the effect of pollutants on ambient air quality.

Results

From the observations, it was found that the maximum concentration of CO reached 16,302.72 μg/nm³ and a minimum of 3,435.58 μg/nm³. Meanwhile, for CO2, a maximum concentration reaches 6,206,789.37 μg/NM³ and a minimum of 4,070,674.84 μg/nm³. The maximum emission of the aircraft for CO is recorded at 565,792.16 kg/hour and the lowest is 155,307.9 kg/hour. For CO2 emissions from aircraft, a maximum of 200,164,424.5 kg/hour and a minimum of 38,884,064.5 kg/hour. On the other hand, the emissions of motorized vehicles showed a maximum load of CO of 4,848.36 g/hour and a minimum of 3,646.64 g/hour, and CO2 with a maximum load of 51,299.25 g/hour and a minimum of 38,990.42 g/hour.

Discussion

The results of the analysis showed that the emissions of the aircraft contributed 28% to the measured CO concentration, while motorized vehicles contributed more significantly, which was 65% to the measured CO2 concentration. This finding indicates that motor vehicles are the main contributor to CO2 pollution in the airport area, while aircraft contribute more to CO pollution.

The Importance of Air Quality Management

Managing air quality in the airport area is very important considering the negative impacts caused by human health and the environment. Long-term exposure to pollutants such as CO and CO2 can cause various health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, mitigation steps must be taken, including reducing emissions from the two sources.

Policy Recommendations

Based on the results of the study, it is recommended to implement a tighter policy in managing motor vehicle traffic around the airport, such as increasing public transportation and restrictions on private vehicles. In addition, the development of aircraft technology that is more environmentally friendly and alternative fuel use can be an effective step in reducing the burden of emissions.

Conclusion

By understanding and analyzing the burden of this pollutant, it is hoped that the right steps can be taken to maintain air quality in the Kualanamu International Airport area, for the sake of public health and environmental sustainability.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the burden of CO and CO2 pollutants in the Kualanamu International Airport area. However, there are still many areas that require further research. Some of the recommendations for future research include:

• Conducting a more detailed analysis of the emissions from motorized vehicles, including the types of vehicles and their emission factors.
• Investigating the impact of aircraft technology on emissions and developing more environmentally friendly aircraft.
• Conducting a study on the effectiveness of policy recommendations, such as increasing public transportation and restrictions on private vehicles.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

• The study only analyzed the emissions from aircraft and motorized vehicles, and did not consider other sources of pollutants, such as industrial activities and agricultural activities.
• The study only analyzed the CO and CO2 pollutants, and did not consider other pollutants, such as NO2 and HC.
• The study only analyzed the emissions in the Kualanamu International Airport area, and did not consider the emissions in other areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the burden of CO and CO2 pollutants in the Kualanamu International Airport area. The results of the study show that motorized vehicles are the main contributor to CO2 pollution, while aircraft contribute more to CO pollution. The study recommends implementing a tighter policy in managing motor vehicle traffic around the airport and developing more environmentally friendly aircraft technology.

Q: What are carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) pollutants?

A: Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are two types of pollutants that are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be toxic to humans and animals, while CO2 is a colorless, odorless gas that is a major contributor to climate change.

Q: What are the sources of CO and CO2 pollutants in the Kualanamu International Airport area?

A: The main sources of CO and CO2 pollutants in the Kualanamu International Airport area are aircraft engine exhaust gas and motorized vehicles, such as cars and trucks.

Q: What are the health effects of CO and CO2 pollutants?

A: Long-term exposure to CO and CO2 pollutants can cause various health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. CO can also cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, while CO2 can cause fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.

Q: What are the environmental effects of CO and CO2 pollutants?

A: CO and CO2 pollutants can contribute to climate change, air pollution, and water pollution. CO can also damage crops and forests, while CO2 can contribute to ocean acidification.

Q: What are the policy recommendations for reducing CO and CO2 pollutants in the Kualanamu International Airport area?

A: The policy recommendations for reducing CO and CO2 pollutants in the Kualanamu International Airport area include implementing a tighter policy in managing motor vehicle traffic around the airport, increasing public transportation, and developing more environmentally friendly aircraft technology.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including the fact that it only analyzed the emissions from aircraft and motorized vehicles, and did not consider other sources of pollutants, such as industrial activities and agricultural activities. The study also only analyzed the CO and CO2 pollutants, and did not consider other pollutants, such as NO2 and HC.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: The recommendations for future research include conducting a more detailed analysis of the emissions from motorized vehicles, investigating the impact of aircraft technology on emissions, and conducting a study on the effectiveness of policy recommendations.

Q: What are the implications of the study for the Kualanamu International Airport area?

A: The study has significant implications for the Kualanamu International Airport area, including the need to implement policies to reduce CO and CO2 pollutants, increase public transportation, and develop more environmentally friendly aircraft technology.

Q: What are the implications of the study for the environment?

A: The study has significant implications for the environment, including the need to reduce CO and CO2 pollutants to mitigate climate change, air pollution, and water pollution.

Q: What are the implications of the study for human health?

A: The study has significant implications for human health, including the need to reduce CO and CO2 pollutants to mitigate respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, and other health problems.

Q: What are the implications of the study for the economy?

A: The study has significant implications for the economy, including the need to invest in more environmentally friendly technologies and policies to reduce CO and CO2 pollutants.

Q: What are the implications of the study for the community?

A: The study has significant implications for the community, including the need to raise awareness about the importance of reducing CO and CO2 pollutants, and to engage in community-based initiatives to reduce emissions.

Q: What are the next steps for the study?

A: The next steps for the study include conducting further research on the emissions from motorized vehicles, investigating the impact of aircraft technology on emissions, and conducting a study on the effectiveness of policy recommendations.

Q: What are the potential benefits of the study?

A: The potential benefits of the study include reducing CO and CO2 pollutants, mitigating climate change, air pollution, and water pollution, and improving human health and the environment.

Q: What are the potential challenges of the study?

A: The potential challenges of the study include the need to overcome technical and financial barriers, and to engage with stakeholders and the community to raise awareness and build support for the study's recommendations.