Receptor model to identify emission sources of particulate matter in cities from the Rio Grande do Sul (RS)

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) is a pollutant dispersed in the atmosphere of different chemical compositions, emission sources, and sizes. The PM composition can affect the health of humans, plants, and animals. Detecting PM sources is an important tool in environmental monitoring. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) receiver model can be used to identify possible sources of PM and one of its advantages is that it incorporates variable uncertainties, often associated with the analysis of environmental samples. The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model is used with the PMF to determine the origin of air masses, which are related to the emitted concentrations of atmospheric pollutants. This study intends to use these models to determine sources of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in five municipalities in the state (Campo Bom, Canela, Canoas, Gramado, and São Leopoldo). The samples were collected between the years 2013 and 2019 and then there was the quantification of metallic elements. In addition, we will analyze the influence of seasonality on the concentration of PM and detected sources. (AU)