Seasonal Variation of n-Alkanes and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Concentrations in PM10 Samples Collected at Urban Sites of São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract

Two campaigns were conducted in 2003 and 2004 at sites of different characteristics in São Paulo State. Atmospheric samples were collected twice a month during a 1-year campaign (an extensive campaign) from April 2003 to May 2004 at São Paulo City (SPA) site.The results showed that the pollutant concentrations were controlled not only by local source emissions but also through pollutant transport, both of which were dictated by the prevailing meteorological conditions. Chrysene, benzo(e)pyrene, and benzo(b)fluoranthene were the major compounds found, and diagnostic ratios indicated the multiplicity of sources: industrial, vehicular emission, and atmospheric transport. Intensive campaign (from July 15 to 30, 2003) samples showed higher cancer risk than those collected in the extensive campaign. Samples collected at the urban site (SPA) presented comparable values of PM 10 to the urban site influenced by sugarcane burning (Araraquara, ARQ). On the other hand, PAH average concentrations were higher at SPA than at other sites. In both campaigns, the highest value for dry atmospheric deposition flux was found in autumn and winter. Individually, BPe presented the highest deposition flux followed by BbF in the intensive campaign. It seems that during those periods, the dry deposition was the main airborne PAH removal mechanism. Diagnostic ratios suggested also vehicular emissions at the sites and photochemical reactions influencing in the atmospheric particulate matter composition. SPA and PRB samples presented higher cancer risk than ARQ in the intensive campaign.

Particulate pollutants in the Brazilian city of São Paulo: 1-year investigation for the chemical composition and source apportionment

“…The lowest total PAH concentration of 2.6 ng m −3 was observed in Ext 2.5 , while the maximum of 115.3 ng m −3 was observed in Ext 10 . These levels were similar to those obtained in past studies at the same site, as 25.9 ng m −3 in PM 10 samples during the intensive campaign in the winter of 2008 (Vasconcellos et al, 2011a) and 27.4 ng m −3 for PM 10 in the winter of 2003 (Vasconcellos et al, 2011b). In addition, the total PAH levels from the present study are higher than in the 2013 and 2012 intensive campaigns (8.7 and 8.2 ng m −3 in PM 10 ) (Pereira et al, 2017).…”

“…A study done by Vasconcellos et al (2011b) about a decade ago (2003)(2004) in the city showed a similar average of PM 10 (46 µg m −3 ). According to CETESB (São Paulo state environmental agency), the annual average PM 10 concentrations (considering all monitoring stations in the São Paulo metropolitan area) ranged from 33 to 41 µg m −3 , between the years of 2005 and 2014, showing no significant differences (CETESB, 2015).…”

Cashew nut roasting: Chemical characterization of particulate matter and genotocixity analysis

“…Carcinogenic PAHs (BbF, BkF, BaP, InP, and BaA) account for 59.6% of the PAH mass found in the Amarelão community. This result is higher than that found by Vasconcellos et al (2011) in São Paulo.…”

Size-segregated particulate matter and carboxylic acids over urban and rural sites in Londrina City, Brazil

“…[32][33][34][35][36][37][38] For example, Vasconcellos et al 39 recently performed a comparative study of the atmospheric chemical composition of Bogotá, Buenos Aires and São Paulo Cities and found that samples from São Paulo showed the highest concentrations of species analyzed on PM 10 (n-alkanes, water-soluble ions, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, metals and metalloids) among all the sites. Also, Gioda et al 40 performed studies concerning chemical composition, sources, solubility and transport of aerosol trace elements in Rio de Janeiro City.…”