Halim, Nur Farhana Abdul
(2015)
Particulate matter concentrations
at selected Mosques in
Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
Project Report.
Universiti Sains Malaysia.
(Submitted)
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.
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