Title: Atmospheric particulate matter in the city of Sao Carlos/SP, Brazil

Authors: Ricardo L. Bruno, Alcione F. Almeida, Virgilio Nascimento Filho, Monica L. Aguiar, Jose A.S. Goncalves, Jose R. Coury

Addresses: DEQ-UFSCar, Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Via Washington Luiz, km. 235, 13565-905, Sao Carlos–SP, Brazil. ' DEQ-UFSCar, Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Via Washington Luiz, km. 235, 13565-905, Sao Carlos–SP, Brazil. ' CENA-USP, Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Centenario, 303, CEP 13400-961, Piracicaba, Brazil. ' DEQ-UFSCar, Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Via Washington Luiz, km. 235, 13565-905, Sao Carlos–SP, Brazil. ' DEQ-UFSCar, Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Via Washington Luiz, km. 235, 13565-905, Sao Carlos–SP, Brazil. ' DEQ-UFSCar, Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Via Washington Luiz, km. 235, 13565-905, Sao Carlos–SP, Brazil

Abstract: This paper presents experimental data and source apportionment simulations on particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) in the atmosphere of Sao Carlos/SP, Brazil. Both a Hi-vol sampler equipped with glass fibre filters and a Dichotomous sampler with nucleopore filters were used. The collected material was analysed for total carbon, using a thermometric method, and for traces of several chemical species, using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Source apportionment estimations were made with a chemical mass balance receptor model software (CMB8), with source profiles taken and adapted from the literature. The results indicate that both PM₁₀ concentration and source apportionment vary seasonally, and that vegetative burning can be a significant source of PM₁₀ in the dry season

Keywords: urban air pollution; PM₁₀; PM_2.5; receptor model; source apportionment; Brazil; air quality; atmospheric particulate matter.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2004.005682

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2004 Vol.22 No.4, pp.476 - 489

Published online: 18 Nov 2004 *

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