ABSTRACT

DIONGON, JEZRIEL L. Central Mindanao University, University Town, Musuan, Bukidnon. March 2012. ASSESSMENT OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON FROM MOBILE SOURCES IN VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON.

Adviser: Dr. Jose Hermis P. Patricio

The study generally aimed to assess the amount of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon generated by mobile sources in Valencia City, Bukidnon. The study involved the collection of secondary data on carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions from vehicles subjected to emission testing. These were obtained from Six Eleven Emission Test Center in Valencia City from May to September 2011. The study also involved the conduct of socio-demographic and perception survey on air pollution management with households and vehicle drivers in Valencia City as respondents. There is a significant difference between motorcycles/tricycles and cars/utility vehicles in terms of carbon monoxide emission (CO) and hydrocarbon emissions (HC). The average CO emission for motorcycle and tricycle was 2.15% and 1.74% as compared to that of cars and utility vehicles which have emissions of 0.19% and 0.17%, respectively. Motorcycles and tricycles do not have significant difference in terms of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. The same is true between cars and utility vehicles. Diesel-powered vehicles such as utility cars, trucks and SUV had also no significant difference in terms of opacity (k) which had average values of 1.16, 1.29 and 1.25, respectively.

The socio-demographic survey among general public and vehicle driver respondents showed that most of them were males, 31-35 years of age, married and mostly residing in Valencia City. Majority of them have 4-6 household members, did not finish elementary education, and with an average monthly income of Php 6,000.0010,000.00. Most of the respondents perceived that there is air pollution in Valencia City due to the increasing number of people and vehicles. Most of them also experienced asthma, coughs and colds which can be associated to air pollution. Most of them were not aware of any air pollution laws and programs implemented by government agencies. However, they were amenable to a roadside apprehension for smoke-belching vehicles. It is recommended that results of this study should be disseminated to the local government unit (LGU) of Valencia City, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and other concerned agencies to address air pollution problem in the study area. The LGU of Valencia City together with the LTO and the EMB should also immediately undertake roadside apprehension of smokebelching vehicles.