Abstract
Particulate matter is the mixture of solid and liquid particles. It may at times cause adverse effects to human health, in the climate, ecosystem and materials. The objective of this study was to identify the sources emitting particulate matter that contributes to environmental pollution at two sites in Belo Horizonte city. The metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte is characterized by numerous mining activities and other industries, high population and, consequently, a high number of vehicles. There are therefore several sources emitting pollutants into the atmosphere. Airborne particulate matter was collected in air filters during approximately one year using a high-volume sampler in strategic points. The concentration of particulate matter results showed that, in general, the values were 40% higher than the values recommended by legislation. During the summer rainy season, no sample exceeded the recommended limits at both sampling sites. The elemental composition was determined through neutron activation analysis and these values were considered variables in the multivariate statistical analysis for the identification of the main sources of particle emission and their contributions. The results confirmed a significant influence of the soil and motor vehicles in the degradation of the region’s air quality.
Highlights
Changes in the natural air constituents may negatively affect plant and animal species, as well as human health and well-being (CONAMA, 1990)
The air quality standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national councils such as the National Environment Council (CONAMA) and the State of Minas Gerais Environment Foundation (FEAM) are based on political, social and economic issues, as well as health risk factors and national capacity for air quality management (CONAMA, 1990; FEAM, 2017; WHO, 2006)
One of the major pollutants released into the atmosphere is particulate matter (PM), which is the mixture of solid and liquid particles that vary in shape and chemical composition, and cause adverse effects on human health, and to the climate, ecosystem and materials (Kappos et al, 2004)
Summary
Changes in the natural air constituents may negatively affect plant and animal species, as well as human health and well-being (CONAMA, 1990). Industrial activities generate a large volume of waste that is emitted to the atmosphere, containing several compounds harmful to human health (Brasil et al, 2007). Automobiles are one of the greatest sources of pollution developed by man, and release gases and particles into the atmosphere that alter its natural composition (Albuquerque et al, 2012; Sharma and Khare, 2001). This activity has had a significant impact on air quality, since over the years the number of vehicles has been growing sharply (Nagendra and Khare, 2002; Tavares et al, 2014). One of the major pollutants released into the atmosphere is particulate matter (PM), which is the mixture of solid and liquid particles that vary in shape and chemical composition, and cause adverse effects on human health, and to the climate, ecosystem and materials (Kappos et al, 2004)
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