The quality of air at petroleum refining area in Bojonegoro, Indonesia: Morphological condition and chlorophyll level changes of Muntingia calabura L.

Abstract

Petroleum refinery activity practiced conventionally is indicated to result in a significant impact on the environmental changes. This research aimed at revealing the morphological condition and the chlorophyll level of Muntingia calabura L. growing around the petroleum refining area in Wonocolo, Bojonegoro, Indonesia. The data sampling covered eight areas; four of which are 50 meters away, while the four others are 100 meters away from the center location of the refinery. The chlorophyll levels were obtained from spectrophotometry technique. Based on the microscopic analysis, chlorosis and necrosis symptoms have been detected in all sampling locations. Based on the multivariate testing, the chlorophyll level has shown to be significantly different on distance factor (F = 11.983, p < 0.005), but there has been no significant difference on the point of the compass as well as interactional factors. Based on the univariate testing, the chlorophyll level on distance factor has shown to be significantly different, both on chlorophyll a level (F = 18.867, p < 0.005) and chlorophyll b level (F = 25.085, p < 0.005). The results have indicated that petroleum refining industry which is conducted conventionally in Bojonegoro contributes significant impact on the plant condition in its surrounding areas.