摘要：Studies on air quality were carried out in Langkawi, Kedah to determine the status and trend of air quality of this tourism island. The determination of air quality was based on several parameters such as suspended solids with diameters that were less than 10 micrometer (PM10) and gaseous pollutants of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO). The data for this study were obtained from the regular monitoring data as collected by Alam Sekitar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (ASMA) on behalf of Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE) at their stations in Langkawi. Results show that the average concentration of PM10, SO2, NO2, O3 and CO at all sampling stations are still below the permissible values recommended by DOE. Long-term air quality trend based on data of years 1998 to 2007 show increasing trends of suspended particulate matter as PM10. The concentrations of PM10 and O3, however, are predominantly related to regional tropical factors, such as the influence of biomass burning and ofultra violet radiation from sunlight. Additionally, meteorological factors, particularly the ambient temperature andwind speed, may influence the concentration of PM10 in the atmosphere. Based on the results of the study some measures are recommended, especially to control the number of vehicles as well as improve the public transport system to ensure that the status of air quality in Langkawi is continuously protected, thus ontributing to the wellbeing of communities in Langkawi.
关键词：Status of air quality; tourism areas; long term record
