Author:
Sudaryanto A,Ilyas M,Wahyono I B,Aviantara D S,Efadeswarni ,Takahashi S,Isobe T,Tanabe S,Kunisue T
Abstract
AbstractAssessing of air contamination by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been a matter of global concern due to the atmosphere as key transport route for these pollutants. Furthermore, polyurethane foam passive air sampler (PUF-PAS) has been used as one of proved methods for air monitoring of POPs. The objectives of this study are to elucidate the levels and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in atmosphere of Jakarta and surrounding areas in respect to the different in concentration levels, possible origin of their sources and magnitude of their contamination. Sixty-two PCB congeners were quantified in PUF disk from PAS deployed at nine locations representing different background area by using a gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry detector. PCBs were detected in all PUF with concentrations varied according to location (ranged 29 – 220 pg/m3), indicating specific location source of PCBs. The highest concentration of PCBs was found in air of dumpsite and were followed by industrial>urban>sub-urban areas, suggesting that dumpsite and industrial areas are as emission sources of these compounds. The concentration levels of PCBs were generally similar to some other countries in Africa and South America but lower than those of industrial countries worldwide. The lighter PCB congeners were the predominant compounds, which correspond to specific technical mixtures and their volatile properties.