Analysis of source and composition of air pollution in different locations in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo

Author(s)

Letícia Ogushi Romeiro Ramires

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina (FM/SBD)
• Defense date: 2013-01-10

Examining board members

Paulo Hilario Nascimento Saldiva; Maria de Fatima Andrade; Marco Antonio Garcia Martins

• Advisor: Paulo Hilario Nascimento Saldiva

Abstract

Large cities such as São Paulo are significantly affected by air pollution. It is of great importance to characterize the emission sources of air pollution, not only in the central regions of the city of São Paulo, but also in peripheral regions, do to the fact that the composition of pollution may not be homogeneous across the city area. This study shows the Characterized the components of air pollution in four different areas of the metropolitan region of São Paulo. Particulate matter (PM 2.5) was collected during the winter of 2011 and summer of 2011. It was collected 24-h PM2.5 samples, employing gravimetry to determine PM2.5 mass concentrations; reflectance to quantify black carbon concentrations and X-ray fluorescence to characterize elemental composition. A receiver model based on principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the involvement of the different sources for the generation of particulate matter. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in g/m3 did not differ significantly among the locations. However, the results collected showed differences according the seasons evaluation, being higher in the winter for all regions sampled. The proportion of Black Carbon behaves differently than the mass. It does not vary significantly between the seasons, but between the different regions. The proportion of Black Carbon was higher in Ibirapuera Park and the East Zone. Was found 3 factors explaining 75% of the variability. Factor 1 consists of the elements Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Pb, P, S Cr e K and was related to crustal emission (soil) and vehicle emissions, Factors 2 consists of the elements V, P, BC, e S and can be related to vehicular emissions of fuels with high sulfur content. Factor 3 consists of the elements BC and Ni was associated to vehicle emission (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/11201-1 - Analysis of the source and composition of atmospheric pollution in different locations in the metropolitan area of São Paulo.
• Grantee: Leticia Ogushi Romeiro Ramires
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master