Morphological and Elements of Roadside Dust at Academic Institutions in Perlis

¹ Faculty of Civil Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Jejawi, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
² Sustainable Environment Research Group (SERG), Centre of Excellence Geopolymer and Green Technology (CEGeoGTech), Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Jejawi, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
³ Mining and Energy Resources Academy (MERA), Jalan Kuala Ketil, Parit Panjang, 09100 Baling, Kedah, Malaysia
⁴ National Institute for Research and Development in Environmental Protection, Splaiul Independenţei 294, Bucharest, Romania

^* Corresponding author: norazrin@unimap.edu.my

Abstract

This research studied the morphological and elemental composition of roadside dust at an academic institution in Perlis using the Dust Fall Jar method. Samples were collected from three spots, two beside the main road near the academic institution and one in the control environment area, within a radius of 1000 meters as the control spot. Samples were collected for five consecutive days and then analyzed using SEM-EDX. The SEM-EDX analysis revealed that roadside dust particles exhibited varied shapes and uneven surfaces. Plant debris and tire wear have been identified as the sources of fibrous, elongated, and rounded micrometer-sized particles. Minerals, heavy metals, and carbon-containing particles were also found. The SEM-EDX investigation revealed notable elements roadside dust at an academic institution, irregularly shaped particle which might be composed of minerals, soil, or even carbon-containing materials, commonly found in roadside environments. The other element found is aluminum oxide by the characteristic morphology observed in the SEM-EDX image which are elongated, fibrous, cylindrical structures and irregularly shaped particles. This matrix could be composed of various materials, such as other carbon-based materials or inorganic compounds. This study highlights the necessity of implementing efficient environmental management solutions.