Assessing new POPs in air samples from São Paulo, Brazil

• Grant number: 15/22644-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: April 04, 2016
• End date: August 03, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Environmental Sanitation
• Principal Investigator: João Vicente de Assunção
• Grantee: Ana Paula Francisco
• Supervisor: Tom Harner
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Environment Canada, Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 13/20299-0 - Equivalent toxicity of the atmosphere for dioxins, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls, using two air sampling techniques, passive and active, BP.DR

Abstract

Passive and active air sampling were carried out in 2014 and 2015 for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins(PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (dl-PCBs) at three sites in São Paulo, Brazil, covering urban, rural and industrial sites. The project is progressing well, however there is a lack of information for the new POPs (Persistent Organic Compounds) and chemicals of emerging concern. The lack of information on new POPs in air exists not only in Brazil but also in most parts of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) region. Objective: The purpose of this study is to address these data needs and to generate new information on new POPs, candidate POPs and chemicals of emerging concern for air. Method: Samples were collected over two consecutive periods of 4 months: from September to December 2014 (period 1) and from May to August 2015 (period 2). The sample-preparation followed an adequate methodology which results of a fraction containing PCDD/Fs and a fraction with dl-PCBs. This fractionation scheme will be tested against standard solutions of the new POPs being targeted in this study to confirm elution behavior. Future Results: The study will generate new information on air concentrations of new POPs from air samples in São Paulo. This will contribute to national and regional chemical assessment and reporting. The results of the study will also help to identify applicability and limitations of analytical procedures. (AU)