PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 distribution in Penang Island, Malaysia

Particulate Matter (PM) consist of tiny solid or liquid particles that floating freely in the air. PM10 refers to the particles which have size up to 10 microns (μm). The smaller the particle size (such as PM₁), the more severe it will affect our human health if we inhaled too much into our lungs. In this paper, we used the DustTrack{trade mark, serif} Aerosol Monitor with Model 8520 to obtain the PM distribution (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) in Penang Island. The in-situ measurement was taken on 10 August 2012 at Georgetown, Batu Ferringhi and Permatang Damar Laut open area. The data obtained was analyzed and interpreted. The results show that the dust level at Permatang Damar Laut was low as compare to the other two areas which are located in town area. The highest PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 dust level with an averaging time of 6 hours was observed at Batu Ferringhi with a reading of 200, 194 and 185μg/m³. This study can provide a guideline to detect and monitor the dust level at Penang Island. Further study can be done to monitor the temporal changes of air quality over Penang Island, Malaysia.