Characterizing PM2.5 Pollution in Urban Jakarta: Insights from Morphology, Elemental Composition, and Concentration Analysis

Increasing public concern about air quality in Jakarta's urban areas has brought attention to the critical issue of air pollution's impact on public health, given that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is consistently identified as a critical pollutant with adverse effects, comprehending its sources and levels is essential for effective air quality management. This research aimed to assess the mass concentration of PM2.5 in a mixed-urban site in Kebayoran Lama district, South Jakarta, Indonesia. Specifically, this study investigates PM2.5 concentration, morphology, and elemental composition during the beginning of the dry season in 2023. Data collection occurred over a week in May 2023, employing a High Volume Air Sampler (HVAS) for each 24-h sampling duration, as mandated by the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). A comparison with a 2020 study during the COVID-19 pandemic suggests a post-pandemic deterioration in air quality. The morphology and elemental composition were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). Results from this study revealed an average concentration of PM2.5 concentration was 38.81 ± 15.20 µg/Nm3 (95% CI), and Air Quality Index was 80.73 ± 16.81 (95% CI), indicative of a “moderate” air quality level. When considering temporal fluctuations, PM2.5 concentrations exhibited significantly higher levels on weekdays than on weekends, reflecting a + 49.06% increase. This study also found that a measurement during the weekdays surpassed the NAAQS threshold with a concentration of 65.20 µg/Nm3. SEM–EDS indicated contributions from vehicular emissions and coal combustion. While potential sources, including South Jakarta and East Jakarta, are identified through elemental analysis, pinpointing exact locations requires further investigation.