Significant of Study

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the chemical composition of particles in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. There is an organic part which is particulate matter containing various organic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes and other carbon-based compounds. These organic compounds can come from natural sources such as vehicle exhaust and industrial development in the Kota Kinabalu urban area. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to study the chemical composition of particulate matter, including inorganic compounds such as sulfate (SO₄²⁻), nitrate (NO₃⁻), ammonium (NH₄⁺), carbonate (CO₃²⁻), metal and mineral dust. . Inorganic compounds can be present as ions or as components of mineral particles, sea salt particles, or emissions. Elemental carbon (EC) refers to the carbonaceous particulate component that consists of pure carbon in the form of graphite or soot. It is mainly emitted from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biomass burning, and other combustion processes. Particles can contain various metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and others. Metal particles can originate from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, mining activities, and natural sources and secondary Aerosols are particles formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions. Common secondary aerosols in particulate matter include sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, and secondary organic aerosols (SOA). It is formed through the oxidation and transformation of precursor gases released by various sources, such as power plants, vehicles, and agricultural activities. Particles can also contain biological material such as pollen, spores, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. These components vary depending on the environment, vegetation and local resources.