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São Paulo aerosol characterization study
C D Alonso1, M H Martins, J Romano
1CETESB Companhia de Tecnologia de Saneamento Ambiental, São Paulo, Brazil.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|February 4, 1998
Summary
Air pollution in São Paulo is severe, with vehicles and road dust being major sources of particulate matter. This study used receptor modeling to identify key contributors to fine and coarse particles for control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Air Quality Management
Background:
- The São Paulo Metropolitan area (SPMA) faces significant air pollution challenges, frequently exceeding particulate matter standards.
- Developing effective control strategies requires a quantitative understanding of pollution sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a source apportionment study using receptor modeling in the SPMA.
- To develop a quantitative database for air pollution control strategy development.
Main Methods:
- Collected fine, coarse (CP), and total suspended particles (TSP) samples at four distinct land-use sites.
- Analyzed samples using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), ion chromatography, and thermal evolution.
- Applied Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) receptor modeling for source apportionment.
Main Results:
- Carbonaceous material is a significant component of the aerosol composition.
- Vehicles, secondary carbon, and sulfates are the primary contributors to fine particles.
- Road dust and vehicles are the main sources for coarse particles (CP) and total suspended particles (TSP).
Conclusions:
- The study identified key sources contributing to particulate matter pollution in the SPMA.
- Source contributions showed a consistent pattern across different sites, with variations in magnitude.
- The findings provide a crucial database for developing targeted air pollution control strategies in the region.