Potential noise annoyance from ambient air quality measurement using high volume air sampler (HVAS)

Abstract

One of the benchmarks in air pollution is the quality of ambient air consisting of gas and particulate matter. Measurement of particulates in ambient air can be done using a High-Volume Air Sampler (HVAS). However, in the measurement process it sometimes causes noise annoyance to the community where the measuring instrument is operated, considering that the operating time of the instrument is 24 consecutive hours. This research identifies the value of the sound power level emitted from the several types of HVAS to the surrounding environment. There are two types of HVAS measured in this study consisting of one unit of HVAS with analogue flow control made by Indonesian manufacturer and two units of HVAS with digital flow control made by Japan and United States of America manufacturers. Sound power level is determined using ISO 9614 method with a sound intensity analyzer as the main instrument. The sound power level data for each HVAS were than compared and frequency spectrum distributions are evaluated. Based on the research results, it was found that some sample units emitted sound power levels of more than 90 dBA with dominant noise being at high frequencies starting from 4000 Hz. The results of the research can be used as an early information in the development of the HVAS regarding noise mitigation, because there is different approach for controlling noise specifics in low, mid and high frequencies noise source.