Investigation of indoor air quality in university libraries in terms of gaseous and particulate pollutants in Bartin, Turkey

Abstract

Indoor air quality (IAQ) was investigated in two libraries of Bartin University. Particle matter, TVOC, and CH2O were measured simultaneously in different rooms of the libraries. Measurements were made by PCE-RCM 11 measuring device. They were conducted monthly between September 2019 and October 2020 for 2 weeks for each library. TVOC mean concentration was higher than the limit value reported by Seifert et al. (1999). PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were higher in winter unlike TVOC and CH2O concentrations. The indoor seconder blowing dust was detected to be the most important source of particulate matter in the indoor environment. On the other hand, it was thought that the pollutants in the gas phase were affected by indoor and outdoor air temperature, indoor/outdoor air exchange rate, and indoor/outdoor pollutant sources. The parameters changed during the day and in different rooms of the libraries. Pollutants did not pose any hazard on human health, since the calculated HQ and HI <= 1 for both exposure groups. The indoor air of the libraries was detected to be slightly polluted and bad according to the IAQI and IEI, respectively. On the other hand, the indoor air quality of the libraries was good in terms of all parameters according to the IAQC.