Abstract
In the present study, the elemental content of the particulate matter PM2.5 (particulate matter with diameters lower than 2.5 µm) and PM10 (particulate matter with diameters lower than 10 µm) of the Brazilian city of Rio Claro (SP) were analyzed by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) in the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS). A fractional sampling of particulate matter (PM) was carried out in two climatic periods (dry and rainy season). The elemental determination of PM2.5 and PM10 included the following elements: Si, S, Ca, K, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn. Elemental correlation studies, cluster analysis, principal component analysis and enrichment factor determination were performed in order to allow the distinction of the main sources of the emission of PM. The mean elementary contents, especially in PM10, were statistically different to each other between the sampling seasons and higher in dry than in rainy season. The cluster analysis indicated two groups as being the main constituting element groups for the composition of PM in Rio Claro. A major group originated by the resuspension of soil composed by the elements Si, Fe, Ca and K, and a second, minor group composed of S, Ti, Mn, Cu, Cr, and Zn, presumably influenced by vehicular emissions and the regions adjacent ceramic industries.
Highlights
Atmospheric pollutants are any suspended substances in the air that can be harmful to human health according to its concentration.[1]
Results of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that elemental concentrations of PM10 from dry and rainy season in Rio Claro are statistically different to each other as p values under 0.05 for most investigated elements (Si: p < 0.0001; Ca: p < 0.001; K: p < 0.0001; Ti: p < 0.0001; Mn: p < 0.0001; Fe: p < 0.0001) were established, except for Zn (p = 0.1)
These results show a dominant effect of seasonality on the elemental content of PM10 related with the higher amount of precipitation in rainy season
Summary
Atmospheric pollutants are any suspended substances in the air that can be harmful to human health according to its concentration.[1]. PM2.5 describes fine inhalable particles with diameters lower than 2.5 μm. PM2.5 is responsible for a number of cardiorespiratory diseases and other complications due to its capacity to lodge in the bronchioles.[5,6,7,8] PM10 are particles with diameters lower than 10 μm These particles are inhalable but filtered in the nose and nasopharynx.[9] As to the origin of PM present in the atmosphere, it is known that the natural sources of PM have significant contributions on the coarse particles compared to the anthropogenic sources, which contribute to the formation of fine particles.[10] The main emitting sources of anthropogenic PM are associated with the burning of automotive fuels, industrial activities and sources of natural origin mainly by the resuspension of soil dust.[11] Mining activity, especially related to ceramic material, is considered as one of the most harmful industries regarding the production of PM to the atmosphere.[12,13]
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