Abstract
Open burning of waste is still one of the problems in waste management because it can produce various air pollutants and has the potential to reduce environmental quality. This study aims to evaluate the ambient air quality around a simple waste incinerator using a Smokeless Barrel Incinerator (SBI) and analyze the concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O₃) against ambient air quality standards. The study uses a quantitative approach with an experimental method. Sampling was carried out in the parking area of Nahdlatul Ulama University of West Sumatra at a distance of 20 meters from the source of combustion with a downwind position and the height of the tool was about 1.5–2 meters from the ground level. Sampling was carried out for 1 hour. SO₂ and O₃ parameters were analyzed using an impinger system and spectrophotometry methods, while CO was measured using gas analysis instruments according to laboratory methods. The test results showed a concentration of SO₂ of 4.02 μg/m³, CO of 338 μg/m³, and O₃ of 0.067 μg/m³. Based on the reference values used in the study, the three parameters were below the ambient air quality standard. The results showed that under the test conditions, the use of SBI did not cause the concentration of SO₂, CO, and O₃ at the sampling point to exceed the quality standard values. The primary and secondary ventilation systems in SBI have the potential to help improve oxygen supply and combustion processes. However, the results of the study cannot be used to state that SBI is pollutant-free because the parameters of particulate matter, NOₓ, VOCs, PAHs, dioxins-furans, and heavy metals have not been analyzed and direct comparative testing with open combustion has not been carried out.
