URBAN BLACK CARBON: TREND OF RESEARCH AND ASSIMILATIVE CAPACITY IN THE MEDIUM SIZE CITY

Abstract

Black carbon (BC) in the ambient air, mostly produced by incomplete combustion, has a negative impact on human health. This study was conducted to examine the trends of BC measurements in urban areas and to determine the spatiotemporal variation and assimilation capacity of BC. Three BC measurement locations in Magelang Regency Indonesia were identified in areas of relatively mixed land use. BC analysis was conducted using an EEL Smoke Stain Reflectometer derived from gravimetric TSP measurements. BC assimilation capacity using an indirect comparative approach of BC content with PM_2.5 and TSP air quality standards. Bibliometric study showed a lack of studies on the assimilation capacity of black carbon in urban areas. Based on BC field measurement, it has the highest concentration during the daytime. The emission load of BC from the waste, domestic, industrial, and transportation (area-line) sectors were found to be 25.826 tons/year, 41.361 tons/year, 1.176 tons/year, and 311.879 tons/year, respectively. Based on modeling, the BC ambient concentration was accumulated in areas not too close to the main roads. Current BC assimilation capacity remains adequate; however, it is estimated that, years later, its assimilative capacity will be exceeded. Based on the TSP air quality standard regulations in Indonesia, the BC concentration still has an assimilative capacity of around 6-9 µg/m3 (the upper limit) and 1-3 µg/m3 (the lower limit). Meanwhile, based on WHO guidelines, referring to PM2.5 parameter, the BC concentration no longer has an assimilative capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to handle emissions from its sources.