Spatial distribution analysis of PM10 and O3 in the Klang Valley using Geographic Information System (GIS)

Motor vehicles were the main source of air quality deterioration in the Klang Valley according to several Environmental Quality Reports and Annual Reports from 2003 to 2009 published by the Department of Environment. The objectives of this study were to analyse the annual spatial distribution pattern of suspended particulate matter of less than 10 micrometers (PM10) and ozone (O3) at the Klang, Petaling Jaya, Kajang, Shah Alam and Cheras air quality stations. Using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation technique in the Geographic Information System (GIS) the findings showed that the maximum concentration of PM10 ranged between 50μg/m3 to 100μg/m3 at each station which were above the RMAQG value of 50μg/m3 from 2004 to 2009. Urban air quality deterioration in the Klang Valley that resulted from the emission of motor vehicles not only exacerbated environmental problems but also had negative impacts on human health.