Geochemical study of submicron particulate matter (PM1) in a metropolitan area

Air pollution has become a major problem in urban areas due to increasing industrialization and urbanization. In this study ambient concentrations of PM1 metal as well source contributions were identified quantified by using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) receptor modeling the Metropolitan Area Porto Alegre, Brazil. The samples collected on PTFE filters from December 2012 2014 two sampling sites. Major ion trace element assessed. average 12.8 15.2 μg/m3 for Canoas Sapucaia do Sul sites, respectively. secondary pollutants such sulfate nitrate. Trace elements, especially Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni also made important which are directly associated with anthropogenic contributions. Our results show significantly higher levels winter than summer. Most analyzed PM species elements originated sources, road traffic, combustion processes industrial activities, grouped 7 contributing sources. A back-trajectory analysis showed that long-range transport was not relevant relation contribution concentrations. This work highlights importance planning reduce human health exposure traffic emissions, combined awareness-raising actions citizens concerning impact indoor