PM10 black carbon and ionic species concentration of urban atmosphere in Makassar of South Sulawesi province, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper presents a study on black carbon and ionic species concentrations in PM10, sampled from the urban area of Makassar in the Province of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The samples were collected on a weekly basis within a period of one year from February 2012 to January 2013. Results showed that the mean concentration of PM10 black carbon was 2.01±0.93 µg/m3, while ionic species concentrations were found in descending order; SO4 2–>NO3 –>Cl–>NH4 +, with mean concentrations of 1.44±1.04 µg/m3, 1.11±1.06 µg/m3, 0.87±0.91 µg/m3, 0.49±0.64 µg/m3, respectively. Black carbon concentration was higher during the dry months, which may be attributed to uncontrolled biomass burning during hot and dry weather conditions. Similarly, SO4 2– and NH4 + concentrations were higher during the dry month seasons. On the contrary, Cl– concentration was higher during the wet months, influenced by the marine environment surrounding the area