The Situation of Air Quality in Khon Kaen Province in 2018–2019, Crisis that Creates Opportunities

Abstract

At present, atmospheric air pollution is the most serious health risk factor. There is the cause of various serious diseases especially for respiratory disease and it is a widespread and causing problems in almost every province in Thailand. Khon Kaen is another province that is a city of education. It has a large population and heavy traffic including various industrial plants and there are populations that work for farmers such as sugarcane cultivation causing burning in the area. Khon Kaen Province therefore pays attention to air pollution problems. There is an automatic air quality monitoring station located in Khon Kaen Municipality to monitor and disseminate air quality data of Khon Kaen Province. 6 major air pollutants in the atmosphere were monitored: 1) Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 2) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 3) Carbon Monoxide (CO) 4) Ozone (O3) ) 5) Dust size less than 10 microns (PM10) 6) Dust size less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and analyze the results of air quality data in the form of Air Quality Index (Air Quality Index) according to the method of Environmental Protection Organization (US.EPA), which is based on methodology from the US.EPA document, Guideline for Reporting of Daily Air Quality Index (AQI) July 1999 from Khon Kaen air quality data. The results of the analysis showed that the air quality index in Khon Kaen municipality in good condition, 22.6 percent (7 days), moderate 77.4 percent (24 days), and most of the air pollutants representing the air quality index are dust particles up to 10 microns (PM10), 87.1 percent total (27 days) followed by ozone gas (O3) 12.9 percent (4 days) in 2018, the air quality index in Khon Kaen municipality In good condition, 32.6% (119 days), moderate 37.8% (138 days) criteria, impact on health of 1.6% (6 days), and most of the air pollutants representing the air quality index are dust. Aerosols smaller than 10 microns (PM10) total 36.7% (134 days) followed by ozone gas (O3) 35.3% (129 days). Khon Kaen province should have control measures for combustion in agricultural areas and should more stringent laws to control emissions from cars and industrial factories have been applied. Including protecting oneself from air pollution of the people is in the affected areas.