Characterization of cross-continental PM_2.5: Insights into emissions and chemical composition

Author(s):Show less -

Scaramboni, Caroline ; Farias, Camila Novais ; Vasconcellos, Perola de Castro ; Levi, Michael ; Sadiktsis, Ioannis ; Pozza, Simone Andrea ; Umbuzeiro, Gisela de Aragao ; Watanabe, Tetsushi ; Rodrigues, Poliany Cristiny de Oliveira ; Grandis, Adriana ; Buckeridge, Marcos Silveira ; Campos, Maria Lucia Arruda Moura ; Kippler, Maria ; Dreij, Kristian ; Galva, Marcos Felipe de Oliveira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH; v. 305, p. 14-pg., 2024-04-26.

Abstract

Atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a critical indicator of air quality, with substantial implications for human health. Understanding the emission sources and chemical composition of PM2.5 is crucial for mitigating possible adverse health effects. This study spans five diverse cities on three continents from north and south hemisphere: Stockholm (Sweden), Kyoto (Japan), Limeira, Ribeirao Preto, and C<acute accent>aceres (Brazil). Our objective was to assess PM2.5 chemical composition and regional and long-range transport influences to identify the main sources of particulate air pollution at these cities during the winter/dry seasons. All studied cities but Kyoto exhibited PM2.5 levels above World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, with the Brazilian cities experiencing the highest fine particle pollution levels, implying increased adverse health risks. We observed significant variations in concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), monosaccharide anhydrides (MAs), and inorganic elements. Limeira exhibited the highest levels of total PACs (median level of 12.4 ng m-3), while C<acute accent>aceres displayed high variability of PACs, most likely due to episodic regional wildfire events. MA concentrations were significantly higher in Limeira and Ribeirao Preto and together with elevated levels of retene and potassium (K) they suggested a substantial influence of biomass burning. Backward air mass trajectory analysis suggested widespread Amazon and Savanna wildfires along with local fires as main contributors for these sites. All source identification approaches highlighted differences among the cities, with Stockholm and Kyoto showing influence of sources related to traffic emissions, waste burning, and long-range transport, and Brazilian cities traffic, industrial, biogenic, and more evident biomass burning. This cross-continental study provides valuable insights into PM2.5 composition and emission sources, emphasizing the impact of different emissions on air quality. Our findings underscore the importance of local strategies to mitigate air pollution and protect public health, especially in regions where PM2.5 levels consistently exceed recommended guidelines. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/18438-0 - São Paulo Metropolitan Area, jointly tracking climate change and air quality - METROCLIMA-MASP
• Grantee: Maria de Fátima Andrade
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/13936-0 - The role of xyloglucan in the cell wall architecture determination in sugarcane
• Grantee: Adriana Grandis
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/17931-0 - Atmospheric particulate matter from a region impacted by biomass burning: sources and toxicity
• Grantee: Caroline Scaramboni
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate