Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Concentration at Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Peatland forest fires cause high concentrations of gases and particles in the air, especially carbon monoxide (CO) and PM2.5 which are very dangerous for health. Continuous monitoring of gas and particulate concentrations must be carried out during dry and rainy seasons so that the impact of hazards can be immediately identified and actions can be taken to overcome them. Monitoring equipment was placed from south to north at fire-prone locations to see the effect of wind and vegetation on the CO and PM2,5 concentrations. The concentration of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Particulate Matter (PM2.5) at Central Kalimantan in the dry season is higher than in the rainy season. In the dry season of 2019, CO concentration in four locations was between 7104.1 – 22,127.5 µg/m3, while in 2021, it was the rainy season, so the CO concentration in six locations was lower, ranging from 38.7 – 1371.5 µg/m3. In the dry season of 2019, PM2,5 concentration in four locations was 196.8 – 360.5 µg/m3, while in 2021, at six locations was 5.0 – 40.0 µg/m3. The high concentration of CO and PM2.5 in the dry season needs to be anticipated with a serious handling program to prevent forest and peat fires