ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF GAS EMISSIONS ON THE WEATHERING OF CAVE PAINTINGS: DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PM2.5, CO₂, AND SO₂ CONCENTRATION MONITORING DEVICE FOR A CASE STUDY IN BULUSIPONG AND LEANG PETTAE

The prehistoric cave paintings in Gua Bulusipong and Leang Pettae are invaluable cultural heritage assets that are highly vulnerable to degradation, particularly due to weathering triggered by the accumulation of gaseous emissions such as PM2.5, CO₂, and SO₂. These gases originate from human activities around the sites, including industrial truck traffic from Semen Tonasa in Bulusipong and tourist visits to Leang Pettae. CO₂ has the potential to form carbonic acid, which is corrosive to rock surfaces, while PM2.5 and SO₂ can accelerate the physical and chemical degradation of limestone, which serves as the substrate for the paintings. This study aims to analyze the impact of these emissions on the preservation of the cave paintings through the development of a sensor-based system designed to monitor the concentrations of PM2.5, CO₂, and SO₂ at strategic points within the caves. The research stages include site surveys, installation of monitoring devices, and laboratory analysis to assess the relationship between pollutant gas fluctuations and microclimatic changes affecting the physical condition of the paintings. The findings of this study are expected to provide a scientific basis for technical conservation recommendations and to serve as a prototype for environmental monitoring systems applicable to other geoheritage sites in Indonesia. This research supports the preservation of cultural heritage in the Maros-Pangkep Geopark area through a multidisciplinary approach grounded in environmental data.