Micro-Characterization of Indoor Particulate Matter in Selected Areas of Jashore University of Science and Technology

Abstract

Indoor air pollution has drawn considerable attention in recent years. Indoor air quality is very important for human health especially for vulnerable group of people (the asthmatic, the children and the elderly). The indoor environment can be subdivided into different micro-environments such as residents, transport, offices, educational institutions etc. and each may have a different source of indoor pollution. Indoor particulate matter has harmful impact on human health and environment. The finer the size of particles the higher the harmful impact. In this research work an attempt has been made for characterization of indoor particulate matter at three buildings named10-storied residential Tower, Administrative and Academic building of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) campus. In the dust sample, presence of heavy metals (Ti,Fe,Cu,Zn,As,Pb,Zr) and criteria air pollutant(Pb)was found. The concentration of PM10 (μg/m3) and PM2.5 (μg/m3) measured by Tactical Air Sampler (TAS) was found highest value (PM10, 170μg/m3 and PM2.5,103μg/m3) in Academic building among the three buildings. The reason is that this building is situated near road side and construction work is going on adjacent the building. Again concentration of PM2.5 is found higher inside than outside the building in all cases. Concentration of PM10 (130μg/m3) is found higher inside than outside (76μg/m3) in Administrative Building. Concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 in all cases exceeds WHO guideline limit (WHO guideline for PM10 in 24 hour- 50μg/m3 and 1 year is 20μg/m3; For PM2.5 in 24 hour- 25μg/m3 and 1 year is 10μg/m3 ) and in academic building exceeds Bangladesh standard both in outdoor and indoor(Bangladesh standard for PM10 in 24 hour- 150μg/m3 and 1 year is 50μg/m3). Concentration of PM10 in administrative building both in outdoor and indoor and 10-storied residential tower building in outdoor is within Bangladesh 24 hour standard but exceeds Bangladesh 1 year standard. In academic building exceeds Bangladesh standard both in outdoor and indoor (Bangladesh standard for PM2.5 in 24 hour- 65μg/m3 and 1 year is 15μg/m3). Concentration of PM2.5 in administrative building exceeds Bangladesh standard in indoor but in outdoor within 24 hour standard but exceeds 1 year standard. Concentration in 10-storied residential tower in outdoor within the 24 hour standard but exceeds 1 year standard. In XRF analysis presence of Pb (667±0.19,ppm) and Ca (61340±919,ppm) was found highest in academic building PM. Inter elemental correlation was calculated. Strong correlation (R2 >0.90) was found Pb with Zr; Sr with Ca, Ti, Zn and As; Rb with K and Cu; As with Ca, Fe and Zn; Zn with Ti and Fe; Cu with K; Fe with Ca and Ti. Strongly correlated elements originated from same source such as re-suspended road dust, trace element of earth crust, cement, paint and other construction materials. Adequate control, management, housekeeping can minimize the exposure of indoor dust to occupants.