Characterization of PM2.5 and Indoor-Outdoor (I/O) Ratio in the Indoor Office Connected to the Chemical Production Plant in Gebeng Industrial Zone, Pahang Malaysia

Abstract

This study aims to characterize PM2.5 in terms of mass concentration, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and elementals concentrations bound to PM2.5, and to determine indoor and outdoor (I/O) ratio of PM2.5 in the office which is connected to the chemical production plant. The samples were taken for every 8 hours during working days at five sampling points (outdoor environment, production plant, and indoor office). The samples were analysed by using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography- Flame Ionization Detector to determine the elementals and PAHs bound to PM2.5, respectively. The results indicated that the mass concentrations of PAHs and elementals (were below the recommended values of World Health Organisation. However, Si was found to be the most abundant element and PM2.5 were noncompliant with the Permissible Exposure Limit. The I/O relationships for office and production plant revealed that the source of pollutants are mainly contributed by the outdoor sources.