Acquisition of an X-ray spectrometer for the measurement of trace elements in atmospheric aerosols

• Grant number: 09/54201-1
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• Start date: August 01, 2010
• End date: July 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Eduardo Artaxo Netto
• Grantee: Paulo Eduardo Artaxo Netto
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• EMU web page: Página do Equipamento Multiusuário não informada
• Type of equipment: Tipo de Equipamento Multiusuário não informado
• Manufacturer: Fabricante não informado
• Model: Modelo não informado

Abstract

The objective of this proposal is to acquire an X-ray spectrometer with polarized beam capable of measuring trace elements at very low subnanogram per cubic meter of air. This automated spectrometer has excellent detection limits, high precision and accuracy and large sample processing capacity. Its versatility for use with various secondary targets, together with its special geometry, allows rapid, high-precision analyses, as well as detection limits lower than those X-ray spectrometers currently available in the State of São Paulo. This will allow the analysis of heavy metals and trace elements in aerosol particles collected in the Amazon as part of the Thematic Project designated Aeroclima (The effects of aerosol particles on Amazonian climate), which operates under the a USPices of the FAPESP Global Climate Change Research Program. Very low detection limits are needed for the analysis of samples of natural and biomass burning-related aerosol emissions in the Amazon. We will also analyze airborne pollutants in the atmosphere of the São Paulo Metropolitan area, and those data will be cross-referenced with the health effects of such pollutants, as studied in joint projects currently being conducted by the USP School of Medicine and the USP Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics, and Atmospheric Sciences. The use of receptor models in data analysis of trace elements allows the quantitative determination of air pollution sources, helping to establish more efficient public policies to reduce air pollution in metropolitan areas. The spectrometer will be used to design efficient strategies to reduce vehicular emissions in urban areas trough better fuels and vehicle control technologies. The acquisition of this equipment will benefit the National Institute of Science and Technology for Global Climate Change and the National Institute of Science and Technology for the Integrated Analysis of Environmental Risk, as well as other large projects already underway. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

FREITAS, ANA CAROLINA VASQUES FREITAS; BELARDI, ROSE -MARIE; BARBOSA, HENRIQUE DE MELO JORGE. Characterization of particulate matter in the iron ore mining region of Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil. ATMOSFERA, v. 35, n. 4, p. 22-pg., 2022-10-01. (13/50510-5, 09/54201-1, 17/17047-0)