Publication: Particulate matter concentrations at selected Mosques in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
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Date
2015
Authors
Halim, Nur Farhana Abdul
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Abstract
Mosque is a public place where Muslim and worship, pray five times a day in congregation, and attend Islamic talk and other activities. Indoor exposure to air pollutants may occur in the mosque indoor environment. The purpose of the study is to investigate the level of indoor air quality (IAQ) [particulate matter (PM25 and PM10) concentrations] at selected mosques in Kubang Kerian. The comparison of PM25 and PMw concentrations between selected mosques was determined. This study was also conducted to find the relationship between PM25 and PM10 concentrations with number of occupants; temperature, and humidity. The difference of PM25 and PM10 concentrations between prayer times; and between Friday and Dhuhr prayers were carried out. PM2 5and PM10 concentrations were measured at 10 selected mosques in Kubang Kerian using Handheld 3016 Particulate Counter. The equipment was located at the center of every mosque for 30 minutes each of the five praying times per day throughout three sampling sessions. An IAQ checklist was also used to support and strengthen results obtained from this study. The highest readings were recorded in M4 (56.41+10.09) pg/m3 for PM2 5and M2 (141.88+19.70) pg/m3 for PM10. Results showed that about 98% of data collected were exceeded the recommended IAQ limit for PM2 5 (17.5 pg/m3) and 90% for PM10 (75 pg/m3). Based on Kruskal Wallis test, there was significant differences of PM2 5 (p=0.001) and PM10 (P=0.006) concentrations between mosques. Number of occupants had significant association with PM25 and PM10 concentrations through Spearman Correlation test (p=0.046, p=0.047). Other than that, there was also a significant association between temperature and PMi0; and humidity and PM2 5. However, the correlation between PM concentration and these parameters were very weak (r-PM10=0.247; r-PM2 5=-0.172). Different number of occupant and their movement during each prayer times contribute to the increase of PM level at different mosques. Different size of mosques can be the contributing factor too. In conclusion,, regular maintenance of the ventilation system and cleaning of carpets need to be done to minimise IAQ problems and to provide a healthier indoor environment.