Abstract
Surfactant is one of the pollutants derived from atmospheric aerosol that can adversely affect the human health and environment. This study aims to characterize the level of anionic surfactants as Methylene Blue Active Substances (MBAS) and Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonates (LAS) extracted from atmospheric aerosol from urban (Kuala Lumpur) and suburban (Bangi) area of Malaysia. For aerosol sampling, a high volume sampler (HVAS) with a cascade impactor was used to collect atmospheric aerosol sample according to particle size (coarse mode (> 1.5 µm) and fine mode (< 1.5 µm)). The level of MBAS was determined using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer based on colorimetric method, while the concentration of LAS was determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that the composition of MBAS and LAS for both sampling stations was dominated by fine mode particles compared to coarse mode with a significant difference (p < 0.05). Kuala Lumpur showed higher concentration of MBAS (81.69 ± 13.01 ng m<sup>-3</sup>) compared to LAS (2.96 ± 1.22 ng m<sup>-3</sup>), while Bangi recorded lower level of both MBAS and LAS (44.58 ± 10.05 ng m<sup>-3</sup>, 2.48 ± 1.28 ng m<sup>-3</sup>), respectively. In terms of monsoonal effect, the highest level of surfactants as MBAS and LAS in both stations was recorded during southwest monsoon. A positive correlation was detected between MBAS and LAS. However, it was not significantly correlated (p > 0.05). From this study, it can be concluded that MBAS concentrations in urban and suburban atmosphere are not fully affected by commercial LAS. Majority of MBAS may be presented from other natural activities and anthropogenic sources such as motor vehicle emission, combustion of biomass, and the earth's crust. The management of surfactants' use needs to be reconsidered to enhance a better atmosphere especially in urban and suburban area in the future.
Highlights
In recent years, the composition of atmospheric aerosol has become one of the major issues in most developing countries due to the decrease in air quality
The results showed that the average Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonates (LAS) concentration in Kuala Lumpur and Bangi during southwest monsoon was higher than other monsoon values
It is found that all percentage of LAS concentration compared to Methylene Blue Active Substances (MBAS) is less than 15%
Summary
The composition of atmospheric aerosol has become one of the major issues in most developing countries due to the decrease in air quality. The atmospheric aerosol is very tiny pieces of liquid or solid suspended in the Earth's atmosphere and it is invisible, including soot, smoke and dust particles [1]. According to Sharma et al [2], vehicle exhaust, industrial emission waste burning and construction activities have increased the amount of atmospheric aerosol. Surface active agent (known as surfactant) is one of the pollutants derived from atmospheric aerosol that might cause various environmental problems and affect human health [3,4]. Becagli et al [5], found that the presence of atmospheric surfactants might adversely affect vegetation. Commercial products used as detergents contribute to the possible contamination of the environment by surfactants [6]
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