Authors : Marzuki Ismail, Fong Si Yuen and Sam Suri Abdullah
Abstract: This study aims to determine the trend and status of Particulate Matter (PM10 ) concentrations in the three major cities (i.e., Kota Bahru, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan) in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and its relationship with meteorological factors. PM10 concentration and meteorological data from 2006-2012 for the three study areas were obtained from Department of Environment of Malaysia. The highest daily average PM10 concentration was recorded in Kuala Terengganu with the value of 50.3 μg m–3. All the three stations have statistically different PM10 concentration due to each having different percentage of urbanized areas. Positive correlation was observed for PM10 concentration and temperature in all the three study areas. For back-trajectory analysis, the air masses were noted to travel through the South China Sea from China and Philippines before arriving at the stations during North East Monsoon whereas during South West Monsoon, the air masses generally originates from Indonesia, passing thru the Straits of Malacca. In conclusion, it is apparent that rate of urbanization is directly proportional to atmospheric PM10 concentration in these three cities.
Marzuki Ismail, Fong Si Yuen and Sam Suri Abdullah, 2016. Particulate Matter Status and its Relationship with Meteorological Factors in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 11: 2588-2593.