Application of nuclear analytical techniques to assess air quality in Indonesia

Abstract

Air pollution has become a global concern because of its effects on the environment and human health. Nuclear analytical techniques (NATs) have important application in air pollution monitoring and research. NATs such as Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE), X-ray fluoresence (XRF), and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) have been used in quantification of environmental pollutant especially airborne particulate samples (APM) collected from several cities in Indonesia. The samples were analysed for elemental concentrations by INAA at Siwabessy multipurpose reactor and Bandung TRIGA 2000 reactor in Indonesia, PIXE at Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences New Zealand, XRF at BATAN Bandung Indonesia, and Synchrotron facilities at Elettra Italy. The techniques provide more than 20 significant elements for identification the possible sources of atmospheric aerosol. The results demonstrated that INAA, PIXE, XRF and XANES can complement significantly the elemental characterization of APM providing the concentration of several major, minor and trace elements. These results can be used as important information on levels and sources of air pollution. It could also be used as an early warning, scientific research-based references in designing and revising various government policies and regulations related air quality standards in Indonesia.