Air quality in cities of the extreme south of Brazil

Abstract

The region comprised of cities located in the extreme south of Brazil has numerous potential sources of pollution, such as industries, mining and agricultural activities. Despite this, they do not have detailed scientific information regarding air quality. The present study aimed to evaluate air quality in nine municipalities in the extreme south of Brazil, based on the monitoring of six pollutants (O3 , NO2, SO2, PM2.5, PM10 and CO) present in Brazilian environmental legislation and the relationship of these pollutants with meteorological parameters. Information on air pollutants and meteorological parameters was collected from satellite data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts “Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service”, extracted using The Wealther Channel (IBM, USA) during the period ranged from April 25, 2020 to July 4, 2020 in Rio Grande, Pelotas, Bagé, Candiota, Hulha Negra, Pedras Altas, Aceguá and Herval. The concentration of pollutants was below Brazilian limits, with the exception of a single episode in the municipality of Rio Grande. Temperature was the meteorological parameter most correlated with air pollutants, except for SO2, but in general, all pollutants correlated (positive or negative) with at least one atmospheric parameter. Finally, the composition of air pollutants in each municipality seems to be related to its local economic activity. We encourage the continuity of studies in the region aiming at a complete temporal analysis that encompasses all seasons.