Peat-fire-related air pollution in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

• Drained Peat lands are highly susceptible to fires in Indonesia.
• Satellite data (2001–2010) suggested longest pollution episode during 2002.
• Fire events coincided with peak concentrations in gaseous pollutants.
• Photochemical smog episodes during August till October are due to Peat land fires.
• Alternatives to fire as a means of land development should be explored.

The past decade marked record high air pollution episodes in Indonesia. In this study, we specifically focus on vegetation fires in Palangkaraya located near a Mega Rice Project area in Indonesia. We analyzed various gaseous air pollution data such as particulate matter (PM10), SO2, CO, O3, and NO2 study region. We also conducted elemental analysis at two different sites. Results from 2001 to 2010 suggested the longest hazardous air pollution episode during 2002 lasting about 80 days from mid-August to late-October. Maximum peak concentrations of PM10, SO2, CO, and O3 were also observed during 2002 and their values reached 1905, 85.8, 38.3, and 1003 × 10−6 gm−3 respectively. Elemental analysis showed significant increase in concentrations during 2011 and 2010. Satellite retrieved fires and weather data could explain most of the temporal variations. Our results highlight peat fires as a major contributor of photochemical smog and air pollution in the region.