Particulate Matter in an Urban–Industrial Environment: Comparing Data of Dispersion Modeling with Tree Leaves Deposition

Particulate matter represents a serious hazard to human health, and air quality models contribute the understanding of its dispersion. This study describes particulate with ≤10 μm diameter (PM10) dynamics in an urban–industrial area, through comparison three datasets: modeled (TAPM—The Air Pollution Model), measured concentration (environmental control stations—ECS), leaf deposition values. Results showed good agreement between ECS TAPM data. A steel plant area was used as PM10 emissions reference source, relation four sampling areas, distance/wind-based factor introduced (Steel Factor, SF). Through SF, datasets were compared. The SF able describe dispersion values for (r2 = 0.61–0.94 ECS; r2 0.45–0.70 leaf); no relationship found results. Differences data can be due discrepancies one district explained by lack inventory emissions. suggests use suitable tool modeling at urban scale. Moreover, tree leaves are low-cost evaluate environmental quality, providing information on whether when from proxy pollution concentration. Further studies include re-suspension particles source within emission inventories suggested.