DISCUSSION

This experiment has two parts which are the ambient air PM10 and lead analysis. The
purpose of this experiment is to measure the particulate matter in the 2.5 to 10µm size range
(PM10) and to analyze of metallic air pollutants such as lead. The experiment by using
particulate matter (PM10) was carried out by took the initial weigh of the filter paper. Then, the
filter was installed onto PM10 high volume sampler. Next, the Dickson chart was installed.
PM10 high volume sampler was switched on. After 24 hours, the filter paper was collected and
weighed. The PM10 can be calculated. For analysis of metallic air pollutants such as lead, this
experiment was run by cut the filters and digest in hydrochloric acid (HCL). It was let to cool
down and distilled water was added. The solution was transferred into volumetric flask and top
up with distilled water. The amount of lead was measured.

Based on the results obtained for ambient air PM10, the initial filter weight is 3.34g and
the gross filter weight is 3.76g. The weight of gross filter increases by 1.126 of the initial filter
weight. Hence, the weight of particulates trapped is 0.42g. The weight of particulates trapped is
low due to the decreasing of particles in the air. In addition, the weather is good and absence of
haze which makes the amount particulate trapped is small.

PM10 also covers both of coarse which includes the particle size between 2.5 and 10µm
and fine particles that are affecting the health. The amount 2.5 and 10 µm sizes particles are
possibly change significantly according to the local geography, meteorology and specific PM
sources (Organization, 2005). According to Organization (2005) added that the annual mean
concentration of PM10 is 20µg/m3 while 24 hour mean concentration of PM10 is 50µg/m3.
Organization (2005) also added that PM10 symbolizes the mass of particle that can get into the
respiratory tract. Thus, enter of particle can affect the human health.

Lead in air from the particles trapped on the filter is analysis by using Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy (AAS). The results of lead analysis displays that the concentration of lead is
0.043ppm. Based on Catalunya (1997), the maximum level of lead in atmosphere established is
2µg/m3 which is expressed as an average yearly concentration. The level of lead must be not
exceeded 2µg/m3 to prevent any health problem to human. The most common trigger for the
presence of lead in atmosphere is transport (Catalunya, 1997). Smelting of copper, lead and zinc
are the primary metal industry (Flagan, Seinfeld, 2012). So, the production of the lead from the
industry can caused the emission of particulates to the air. According to Catalunya (1997), the
transfer and deposition of lead are depending on the conditions of the atmospheric and also the
particle sizes.

There is error which can contribute to the inaccurate results. The filter paper was held
freely after it was collected which can cause some particles from air to trap on the filter paper
easily.

REFERENCES

Flagan, R. C., & Seinfeld, J. H. (2012). Fundamentals of Air Pollution Engineering. (pp.

8-15). Mineola, New York: Dover Publication

Catalunya, G. De. (1997). Air Quality Daughter Directives Position Paper on Lead, 8, 1.

Organization, W. H. (2005). WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen
dioxide and sulfur dioxide, 8–12.
CONCLUSION

The objective of this experiment is to measure the particulate matter in the 2.5 to 10µm
size range (PM10) and to analyze of metallic air pollutants such as lead. Based on after
experiment for the first part, the weight of particulates trapped is 0.42g in the filter paper after
weighing this is because the decreasing of particles in the air. Since the air and there is no haze
problem, the particulate trapped are low and doesn’t harm to health. However, if the particulate
trapped are mean concentration of PM10 is 50µg/m3, thus it will affect the human. PM10 are
more dangerous because it cannot be removed by coughing and can get into the respiratory tract.
As for the second part of the experiment, the result of lead analysis by Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy (AAS) shows the concentration of lead is 0.043ppm. As mentioned, maximum
level of lead is 2µg/m 3 which is expressed as an average yearly concentration and the level of
lead must be not exceeded 2µg/m 3. Based on this result, it shows the lead contain in the air are
safe to human breath since the concentration of lead are lower than 2µg/m3.

As recommendation to improve this experiment are do the experiment in multiple places.

This is because the concentration of lead will be different in certain place such as in the industry,
road and park. The concentration of lead is maybe higher or lower than this. Repeat the
experiment at different places for 24 hours to get average of the lead analysis. Another
improvement for this experiment is do analysis for another metal such as plumbum and other
metal. This will show how contaminated or safe the air of the environment is.