Risk analysis of air quality for parameters NO2, SO2, NH3, and Ox from the area around fertilizer industries in Indonesia

Dante Alighiri; Naufaldi Bani Widodo; Ravely Adhitya Abdullah; Indah Putri Firnanda; Apriliana Drastisianti

doi:10.21580/jnsmr.v11i1.23331

Authors

Dante Alighiri Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6626-7571
Naufaldi Bani Widodo Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia
Ravely Adhitya Abdullah Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia
Indah Putri Firnanda Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia
Apriliana Drastisianti Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5417-0297

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21580/jnsmr.v11i1.23331

Keywords:

Air pollution, fertilizer industry, NO2, SO2, NH3, Ox, environmental monitoring

Abstract

Industrial zones with intensive human activities often experience air-quality degradation, particularly in areas surrounding fertilizer production facilities. This study analyzes the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ammonia (NH₃), and oxidants (O_x) in the ambient air around fertilizer industries in Indonesia and evaluates their potential non-carcinogenic health risks. Air sampling was conducted using an InScienPro US-1012 impinger equipped with selective absorbent solutions. Pollutant concentrations were quantified using UV-Vis spectrophotometry based on the Griess–Saltzman method for NO₂, the pararosaniline method for SO₂, the indophenol method for NH₃, and the neutral buffer potassium iodide method for O_x. Concentrations were compared with national ambient air-quality standards. To strengthen the assessment, a quantitative health-risk evaluation was incorporated using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI), allowing for the interpretation of long-term exposure impacts. Results show that most pollutant concentrations were below regulatory limits; however, SO₂ levels at one sampling point and NH₃ levels near the production zone were elevated. The HQ–HI analysis revealed that SO₂ at the office-area sampling point (HQ = 0.794) and NH₃ inside the processing plant (HQ = 2.238) were the dominant contributors to cumulative exposure, with HI values exceeding 1 at both locations. These findings indicate potential non-carcinogenic risks for individuals chronically exposed in areas closest to emission sources. Overall, this study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and risk-based evaluation to identify localised hotspots, inform mitigation strategies, and enhance emission control practices in fertiliser-industrial environments.

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Author Biographies

Dante Alighiri, Universitas Negeri Semarang

Chemistry Department

Naufaldi Bani Widodo, Universitas Negeri Semarang

Chemistry Department

Ravely Adhitya Abdullah, Universitas Negeri Semarang

Chemistry Department

Indah Putri Firnanda, Universitas Negeri Semarang

Chemistry Department

Apriliana Drastisianti, Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang

Department of Chemistry Education

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