Analysis Of The Concentration Of NO2, SO2, And PM10 In Ambient Air, Home Sanitation, And Complaints Of Respiratory Disorders In The Plantation Area Of ​​PT. Javanese Acid Pangarungan Village, Torgamba District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency In 2017

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Analysis of the Concentration of NO2, SO2, and PM10 in Ambient Air, Home Sanitation, and Complaints of Respiratory Disorders in the Plantation Area of ​​PT. Javanese Acid Pangarungan Village, Torgamba District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency in 2017

Introduction

Air pollution has become a significant concern in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. The plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid in Pangarungan Village, Torgamba District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency is one such area where air pollution has been reported. The main activities in the plantation and processing plants can cause air pollution around the factory, mainly due to dust from chimneys. One of the impacts arising from air pollution is a disorder of the respiratory tract. This study aims to analyze the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and fine particles measuring 10 micrometers (PM10) in ambient air, home sanitation, and complaints of respiratory disorders experienced by people in the PT. Javanese acid Pangarungan Village, Torgamba District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency in 2017.

Background

Air pollution is a significant environmental issue that affects public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes 7 million premature deaths worldwide each year. In Indonesia, air pollution is a major concern, particularly in areas with high industrial activities. The plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid in Pangarungan Village, Torgamba District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency is one such area where air pollution has been reported. The main activities in the plantation and processing plants can cause air pollution around the factory, mainly due to dust from chimneys.

Methodology

This study is a descriptive research that involves a sample of 81 people. Sampling was carried out using a random sampling method of proportional stratification. Univariate analysis results are presented in the form of frequency distribution tables. The study aims to analyze the levels of NO2, SO2, and PM10 in ambient air, home sanitation, and complaints of respiratory disorders experienced by people in the PT. Javanese acid Pangarungan Village, Torgamba District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency in 2017.

Results

The measurement results show that the average NO2 and SO2 levels at all four locations are still below the quality standard, which is 9.32 μg/m³ for NO2 and 47.27 μg/m³ for SO2. However, the average PM10 measurement has exceeded the specified limit, which is 400.25 μg/m³. Observations of home sanitation show that only 23.5% of respondents have houses that meet health requirements. In terms of health, as many as 88.8% of respondents reported experiencing respiratory disorders, with coughing into the most dominant complaints, experienced by 87.5% of respondents.

Discussion

The results of this study show that air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid in Pangarungan Village, Torgamba District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency has given a significant negative impact on public health, especially those related to respiratory disorders. The high levels of PM10 in ambient air have exceeded the specified limit, which is a major concern. The low percentage of respondents who have houses that meet health requirements is also a concern. The high percentage of respondents who reported experiencing respiratory disorders is also a significant concern.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, it is advisable to the public to take several preventive steps. The use of masks while on the move outside the home is very important to prevent dust and other pollutants from entering the respiratory tract. In addition, closing the door of the house and installing gauze wire in the ventilation of the house can help minimize the entry of dust from outside. To maintain air quality, the community is also advised to reduce activities that can pollute the environment, such as burning garbage.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. The government should take immediate action to improve the condition of sanitation and air quality in the area.
  2. The community should be educated on the importance of maintaining good air quality and the preventive measures that can be taken.
  3. The plantation and processing plants should be required to implement measures to reduce air pollution, such as installing pollution control equipment.
  4. The government should provide support to the community to improve their health and well-being.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the study only focuses on one area. The study also only measures the levels of NO2, SO2, and PM10 in ambient air and does not measure other pollutants that may be present.

Future Research

Future research should focus on the following areas:

  1. Conducting a larger-scale study to measure the levels of NO2, SO2, and PM10 in ambient air in multiple areas.
  2. Measuring other pollutants that may be present in the air, such as particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  3. Conducting a study to measure the impact of air pollution on public health in the area.
  4. Conducting a study to measure the effectiveness of preventive measures in reducing air pollution and improving public health.

References

Q: What is air pollution, and how does it affect public health?

A: Air pollution is the presence of pollutants in the air that can harm human health and the environment. The pollutants can come from various sources, including industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and natural sources. Air pollution can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.

Q: What are the main pollutants that contribute to air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid?

A: The main pollutants that contribute to air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid are nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and fine particles measuring 10 micrometers (PM10). These pollutants can come from various sources, including the plantation and processing plants, vehicle emissions, and natural sources.

Q: What are the health effects of air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid?

A: The health effects of air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid can be severe. The high levels of PM10 in the air can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The high levels of NO2 and SO2 can also cause respiratory problems, as well as cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

Q: What can be done to reduce air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid?

A: There are several steps that can be taken to reduce air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid. These include:

  • Implementing pollution control measures in the plantation and processing plants
  • Reducing vehicle emissions by promoting the use of electric or hybrid vehicles
  • Planting trees and other vegetation to absorb pollutants from the air
  • Educating the community about the importance of maintaining good air quality and the preventive measures that can be taken

Q: What role can the community play in reducing air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid?

A: The community can play a significant role in reducing air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid. This can include:

  • Reporting any instances of air pollution to the authorities
  • Participating in community-based initiatives to reduce air pollution
  • Educating others about the importance of maintaining good air quality and the preventive measures that can be taken
  • Supporting policies and initiatives that aim to reduce air pollution

Q: What are the long-term consequences of air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid?

A: The long-term consequences of air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid can be severe. The high levels of PM10 in the air can cause chronic respiratory problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. The high levels of NO2 and SO2 can also cause cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

Q: What can be done to mitigate the effects of air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid?

A: There are several steps that can be taken to mitigate the effects of air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid. These include:

  • Implementing pollution control measures in the plantation and processing plants
  • Reducing vehicle emissions by promoting the use of electric or hybrid vehicles
  • Planting trees and other vegetation to absorb pollutants from the air
  • Educating the community about the importance of maintaining good air quality and the preventive measures that can be taken

Q: What is the role of the government in reducing air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid?

A: The government has a significant role to play in reducing air pollution in the plantation area of PT. Javanese Acid. This can include:

  • Implementing policies and regulations to reduce air pollution
  • Providing support to the community to reduce air pollution
  • Educating the public about the importance of maintaining good air quality and the preventive measures that can be taken
  • Supporting initiatives to reduce air pollution, such as the implementation of pollution control measures in the plantation and processing plants.