Impacts of biomass open burning and transportation on fine particulate matter emission in Khon kaen, Thailand | |
| Author | Nongnaphat Haitookha |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-25-09 |
| Subject(s) | Air--Pollution--Environmental aspects--Khon Kaen--Thailand Air--Pollution--Health aspects--Khon Kaen--Thailand |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This study presents a comprehensive approach to air pollution inventory development and policy evaluation, with a particular focus on PM₂.₅ emissions from underrepresented sources such as temples and markets in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. By integrating updated satellite datasets, including Himawari and VIIRS imagery, as well as employing refined analytical techniques, the research highlights significant improvements in emission estimations compared to conventional methodologies. A key innovation of this thesis is the inclusion of the market sector in the emission inventory, which led to a 6% increase in primary PM₂.₅ emission estimates. While markets contribute less than other major sectors, their cumulative impact remains non-negligible, especially in urban areas. Emission contributions from temples were also evaluated, revealing their disproportionately high PM₂.₅ output relative to their activity scale. These findings emphasize the necessity of including culturally specific and localized emission sources in future inventories. The study utilized high-resolution data and innovative techniques, including traffic activity data gathered through Google APIs and vehicle speed estimation via CCTV footage, offering a more dynamic and granular understanding of emissions from the transport sector. Biomass burning estimates were also modernized by replacing VIIRS satellite data with Himawari imagery, enhancing the detection of fire hotspots and improving accuracy. Four policy scenarios were modeled to assess the impact of mitigation strategies. In the base case, traditional estimation methods were applied. In contrast, Case 2 simulated the implementation of Euro 5 vehicle emission standards, which resulted in an estimated 49.7% reduction in PM₂.₅ emissions from the transport sector. Case 3 focused on restricting open burning, particularly of sugarcane, cassava, and maize fields, resulting in an 88.5% reduction in sector-specific emissions, though this only translated into a 20% drop in total PM₂.₅ due to continued burning in rice fields and forests. The most effective outcome was observed in Case 4, which integrated both transport and open burning policies, achieving a total reduction of 37% in PM₂.₅ emissions across Khon Kaen Province. Four policy scenarios were modeled to assess the impact of mitigation strategies. In the base case, traditional estimation methods were applied. In contrast, Case 2 simulated the implementation of Euro 5 vehicle emission standards, which resulted in an estimated 49.7% reduction in PM₂.₅ emissions from the transport sector. Case 3 focused on restricting open burning, particularly of sugarcane, cassava, and maize fields, resulting in an 88.5% reduction in sector-specific emissions, though this only translated into a 20% drop in total PM₂.₅ due to continued burning in rice fields and forests. The most effective outcome was observed in Case 4, which integrated both transport and open burning policies, achieving a total reduction of 37% in PM₂.₅ emissions across Khon Kaen Province. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (DWREE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering and Management (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ekbordin Winijkul; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Xue, Wenchao;Natthachet Tangdamrongsub; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |