BTEX in the atmosphere of São Paulo metropolitan region

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are an important class of pollutants present in the atmosphere, especially in urban centers and industrial centers. In the presence of sunlight and nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of secondary pollutants such as tropospheric ozone, oxidants and others atmospheric aerosols, with the consequent formation of photochemical smog and secondary particulate material (Atkinson, 2000). The study of VOCs has gained interest over time because of its impact in air quality as well as the impact on human health. Among the species VOCs, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and m,p,o-xylene) has had special attention primarily benzene due to its characteristics of being carcinogenic (IARC, 2012). This species are important contributors in air pollution from megacities, which are often issued by industrial sources, evaporation of fuels and vehicle emissions. (Lan & Minh, 2013; Liu et al., 2013; Nelson & Quigley, 1983; Zhang et al., 2012). The BTEX will be analyzed in the metropolitan region of São Paulo in hourly continuous sampling, in order to asses whether the time-evolution in daily cycles and the relation issued between different compounds. The sampling and quantification will be performed with specific analyzer for ozone precursors, Perkin Elmer Clarus 500. The goal of the project is the contribution of multidisciplinary training of the student of the academic study and her knowledge in chemistry of atmosphere. (AU)