Abstract:

Merapi Mountain is an active volcano of which its emission may contribute to SO2 level in surrounding areas, however impacts of air pollution from volcano during a quiescent state have not got much attention. The research was done to develop a dispersion model of SO2 gas with Gaussian plume model to know the pattern of dispersion around the Merapi Mountain. Emission data were obtained from a gas emission monitoring system that is operated at Merapi Mountain to monitor its activity with average emission loading of 137,355 ton/day. It was found that the dispersion are directed to western, north western, northern, north eastern and eastern of Merapi Mountain. The area including Kecamatan Dukun and Sawangan in Kabupaten Magelang, Kecamatan Selo, Cepogo and Musuk in Kabupaten Boyolali, part of Kecamatan Kemalang in Kabupaten Klaten. Daily average maximum concentration from April to September range between 9,89 µg/m3 to 1.216,49 µg/m3 within the distance of 0.6 to 3.4 km. According to the land use, these areas can be considered ecological sensitive area. The long term impact of Merapi Mountain emission can be observed in agricultural areas around Merapi, indicated by soil pH and visible damage on crops and plantation. Maximum concentrations are predicted to be located always in the same grid within a total area of 400 to 800 hectares on the north eastern, northern, north western, and western part of Merapi Mountain.

Presentation: http://www.cleanairnet.org/baq2006/1757/docs/SW13_3.ppt