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Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 128 views

Analysis of Air Quality and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Emissions Load due to Motor Vehicles at the Gatot Subroto Street Intersection and Jalan Captain Muslim Medan City

Introduction

Medan City, one of the cities with high population density in Indonesia, has a population of 2,460,858 people according to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2022. The transportation sector plays a significant role in the city, with a large number of vehicles contributing to air pollution. In this context, it is essential to analyze the air quality and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions load due to motorized vehicles at the Gatot Subroto street intersection and Jalan Captain Muslim Medan City.

The Importance of Air Quality Analysis

Air quality analysis is crucial in urban areas like Medan, where the population density is high and the number of vehicles is increasing rapidly. The transportation sector is a significant contributor to air pollution, with motorized vehicles emitting various pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants can have severe health impacts, especially for individuals with respiratory diseases or heart problems.

Background of the Study

Previous studies have shown that big cities contribute 60-70% of motor vehicle exhaust gas emissions, while the industry contributes around 10-15%. The rest comes from household activities, burning garbage, forest fires, and others. In Medan, the number of vehicles has reached 288,378 units, according to BPS data in 2022. Research conducted by Basalamah (2020) at the intersection of Jalan Rajawali, Merak Street, and Jalan Kasuari at Sei Sekambing B showed that on July 16, 2018, between 16:00 to 18:00 WIB, there was a significant traffic density. The results of the analysis showed the degree of saturation (DS) reached 1.06, which indicated congestion.

Methodology

This study aimed to analyze the air quality and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions load due to motorized vehicles at the Gatot Subroto street intersection and Jalan Captain Muslim Medan City. The study used a combination of field measurements and data analysis to determine the level of emissions. The measurement points were located at the intersection of Jalan Gatot Subroto and Jalan Captain Muslim, as well as in the Sunggal area.

Measurement Results

The measurement results showed that the highest carbon monoxide (CO) emission load on the Gatot Subroto road is recorded at the TS-2 measurement point with a value of 67.20 g/hour, while the lowest emission load is recorded in TS-16 which is 41.81 g/hour when measurement at noon. Meanwhile, on Jalan Muslim Captain, the highest emission burden occurs at all measurement points with a value of 120.03 g/hour at the time of afternoon measurement, and the lowest is 84.91 g/hour on TS-12. In the Sunggal area, the highest emission burden occurs in TS-6 with a value of 35.33 g/hour in the afternoon, while the lowest is 24.15 g/hour on TS-8 when measuring in the morning.

Analysis of the Impact of Carbon Monoxide Emissions

Carbon monoxide emissions from motorized vehicles in Medan have a significant impact on air quality and public health. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can interfere with the transportation of oxygen in the blood, so that it can cause various health problems, especially in individuals with respiratory diseases or heart problems. Increasing the number of vehicles that are not balanced with adequate transportation infrastructure have the potential to exacerbate this situation, causing higher air pollution and contributing to climate change.

Factors Contributing to Emissions

From the results of the study, we can also observe that time and measurement location has a major effect on the level of emissions. The high emissions in the afternoon on Jalan Captain Muslim can show a more severe traffic jam at that time, which often occurs at home hours. Further research needs to be carried out to identify other factors that contribute to emissions, such as vehicle conditions, types of fuel used, and compliance with emission regulations.

Conclusion

With the increasing number of vehicles in the city of Medan, it is essential to conduct an in-depth analysis of the air quality and the burden of emissions caused. This study not only provides an overview of the level of pollution, but also as a basis for formulating policies that can reduce the negative impact of motorized vehicles. Increasing public transportation, better traffic arrangements, and promotion of environmentally friendly vehicles are strategic steps that can be taken to improve air quality in this city.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase public transportation: The city of Medan should invest in increasing public transportation, such as buses and trains, to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.
Improve traffic arrangements: The city should improve traffic arrangements, such as traffic lights and road signs, to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Promote environmentally friendly vehicles: The city should promote the use of environmentally friendly vehicles, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, to reduce emissions.
Conduct further research: Further research should be conducted to identify other factors that contribute to emissions, such as vehicle conditions, types of fuel used, and compliance with emission regulations.

By implementing these recommendations, the city of Medan can reduce the negative impact of motorized vehicles and improve air quality for its citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Air Quality and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Emissions Load due to Motor Vehicles at the Gatot Subroto Street Intersection and Jalan Captain Muslim Medan City

Q: What is the significance of air quality analysis in urban areas like Medan?

A: Air quality analysis is crucial in urban areas like Medan, where the population density is high and the number of vehicles is increasing rapidly. The transportation sector is a significant contributor to air pollution, with motorized vehicles emitting various pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants can have severe health impacts, especially for individuals with respiratory diseases or heart problems.

Q: What are the main sources of air pollution in Medan?

A: The main sources of air pollution in Medan are motorized vehicles, industrial activities, household activities, burning garbage, forest fires, and others. According to BPS data in 2022, the number of vehicles in Medan has reached 288,378 units.

Q: What are the effects of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions on human health?

A: Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions can have severe health impacts, especially for individuals with respiratory diseases or heart problems. CO is a toxic gas that can interfere with the transportation of oxygen in the blood, causing various health problems.

Q: What are the factors that contribute to emissions?

A: The factors that contribute to emissions include time, measurement location, vehicle conditions, types of fuel used, and compliance with emission regulations. Further research is needed to identify other factors that contribute to emissions.

Q: What are the recommendations for reducing the negative impact of motorized vehicles?

A: The recommendations for reducing the negative impact of motorized vehicles include increasing public transportation, improving traffic arrangements, promoting environmentally friendly vehicles, and conducting further research to identify other factors that contribute to emissions.

Q: What are the benefits of improving air quality in Medan?

A: Improving air quality in Medan can have numerous benefits, including reducing the negative impact of motorized vehicles, improving public health, and reducing the economic burden of air pollution.

Q: How can individuals contribute to improving air quality in Medan?

A: Individuals can contribute to improving air quality in Medan by using public transportation, carpooling, reducing the use of private vehicles, and promoting environmentally friendly vehicles.

Q: What are the next steps for improving air quality in Medan?

A: The next steps for improving air quality in Medan include implementing the recommendations outlined in this study, conducting further research to identify other factors that contribute to emissions, and promoting public awareness about the importance of air quality.

Q: How can the city of Medan support the implementation of air quality improvement measures?

A: The city of Medan can support the implementation of air quality improvement measures by investing in public transportation, improving traffic arrangements, promoting environmentally friendly vehicles, and providing incentives for individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

Q: What are the potential challenges to implementing air quality improvement measures in Medan?

A: The potential challenges to implementing air quality improvement measures in Medan include the high cost of implementing new infrastructure, the need for public education and awareness, and the potential resistance from individuals and businesses who may be affected by the changes.

Q: How can the community get involved in improving air quality in Medan?

A: The community can get involved in improving air quality in Medan by participating in public awareness campaigns, supporting local initiatives to reduce air pollution, and advocating for policies that promote air quality improvement.

By addressing these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide a better understanding of the importance of air quality analysis and the steps that can be taken to improve air quality in Medan.