Abstract
This research aims 1) To measure the air quality in Chalerm Phra Kiat District community using chemical and biological indicators 2) To develop chemical indicators as a tool for monitoring air quality for the community 3) To convey basic information obtained from studies and measurement techniques to the community. So that communities will be able to monitor and keep track of air quality by themselves. At Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nan Province, there are many communities that are located about 20-30 kilometers southwest away from the Hogsa Lignite Power Plant, Lao People's Democratic Republic, which may be affected by air pollution emissions. Within the community still lack tools to measure and monitor air quality impact that may come from the power plant. Therefore, in this research we created a tool to monitor both chemical and biological air pollution by passive air sampling and measuring small dust in the air using low-cost sensors, analyzing surface water, and collecting rainwater samples for analyzing the chemical composition. Coupled with observing changes in lichen, this method does not require complicated or expensive equipment. This technique can be share to the communities, youth groups and teachers, or Health and environment related agencies, so that the communities can used this method to monitor the quality of the environment in the area that might affects their health. The area of this research covers 2 districts, Chaloem Phra Kiat District and Thung Chang District. Consists of 4 study areas: Thung Chang District (S1), Huai Kon Sub-district, Chaloem Phra Kiat District (S2), Ban Nam Ree Phatthana, Khun Nan Sub-district, Chaloem Phra Kiat District (S3) and Ban Ngompao, Khun Nan Sub-district, Chaloem Phra Kiat District (S4). Install the PM2.5 measuring device starting in 2 areas (using AirEnvi in Huai Kon Subdistrict, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nan Province, Nam Ri Subdistrict, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nan Province) then increased to 9 areas (using DustBoy in 9 schools in Thung Chang District and Chaloem Phra Kiat District area). During the smog season (February to April) concentration of PM2.5 are significantly higher than usual. From observing both stations it was found that the air quality monitoring station in Huai Kon Subdistrict, Chaloem Phrakiat District, Nan Province (S2) had a higher PM2.5 dust value than the air quality monitoring station in Khun Nan Subdistrict, Chaloem Phrakiat District (S3). From all 14 samples it founds that during April 2022, the average PM2.5 concentrations was 64.89 μg/m3, higher than the average of 45.20 μg/m3 in June 2022, with the main ion content being SO42- and NO3- in both months. The samples were collected rainfall in 4 areas, 36 samples. It was found that the total rainfall was 201.1 mm. and the maximum was 33.4 mm.. The average pH values was 6.17, and the average conductivity was 0.86 mS/m., with the main negative ion component. The dominant anions are NO3- and SO42- and the ion cations are NH4+ and Ca2+ in all 4 areas. Ban Ngam Pao, Khun Nan Sub-district, Chaloem Phra Kiat District (S4) had the highest accumulation of ions in rainwater. Thung Chang District (S1) had the lowest ion accumulation in rainfall. As for the monitoring of nitrogen dioxide using the NO2 test kit, Wat Huai Kon had the highest NO2 concentration with an average concentration of 72.47 μg/m3 by subdistrict and Thung Chang district. The concentration of NO2 was the lowest (37.12 μg/m3). For water quality monitoring, it was found that the lowest DO value at Huai Kon Reservoir was found. All areas SO42-, NH4+ and Ca2+ have the highest values. Biological monitoring by surveying lichen on mango tree trunks in all four were studied areas. A total of 13 families, 22 genera, and 51 species were identified, including folios and crustoses. Fruticose lichens were not found. The most common families were Graphidaceae and Lecanoraceae, respectively. The average pH of bark from lichen mango stems was in the range of 5.4 to 6.5, with Ban Huai Kon < Ban Nam Ri Phatthana < Ban Ngom. Pao < Ban Thung Chang when analyzing diversity index The Shannon- Weiner index of lichens found the highest diversity of lichen at Ban Ng Pao, with the lowest value (1.58) found at Ban Thung Chang. As for the analysis of the concentration of heavy metals accumulated in the bark, it was found that Ban Ngam Pao > Ban Huai Kon > Ban Nam Ree Phatthana > Ban Thung Chang. The monitors were surveyed and measured air quality in all tools within the community Ban Huai Kon area, there is a risk of harm to be affected the most. Ban Thung Chang has the least risk of being affected due to its distance from the source of air pollution that are further from the HongSa Power Plant. In this research, we also transfer the basic information obtained from the study and the measurement techniques to the communities, so that communities can monitor and measure air quality by themselves. By organized training activities to provide basic knowledge to teachers, students and people in the community. Increasing the area and network of 9 schools including Ban Huai Kon School, Ban Sop Puen School, Nam Ree Pattana School, Ban Fueilung Community School, Mom Chao Charoenjai Chitphong School, Nam Chang School, Huai Sai Khao School, Kew Chan School and Ban Dan School In which the research team can conduct continuous research and the community has a network that can monitor and measure air quality sustainably.
