Affiliation:
1. Federal University of Paraná
2. Universidade Federal do Paraná Setor Litoral
3. Universidade de São Paulo
Abstract
Abstract
Long-term exposure to atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major human health concern; respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are the main consequences. In this study, we present the source apportionment of PM2.5 in a large port region in the South Atlantic, located in a Natural Heritage Estuary, which is a particularly sensitive ecosystem and a marine protected area. The PM2.5 mean concentration was 15.26 ± 7.5 µg m− 3, with a range from 0.7 to 41.0 µg m− 3, exceeding both World Health Organization target thresholds 3 and 4, as well as the Air Quality Guideline level. Notably, 10% (n = 34) of the samples exceeded the Brazilian environmental quality threshold for PM2.5 24-hour mean (25 µg m− 3), which is significant since the guidelines recommend a maximum of 3 to 4 exceedance days per year. Bivariate plots with meteorological data and positive matrix factorization (PMF) were employed to estimate the sources of PM2.5 from soluble ions and trace and major metal compositions. The findings suggest that truck activity in a nearby parking lot is the primary source of PM2.5, and the presence of a transportation structure linked to grain transportation was identified as a secondary source. Additionally, the findings of this study demonstrate an urgent need to address the impact of the Brazilian soybean export industry on human health and biodiversity in the region, given the context of excessive PM2.5 concentrations and the risks they presumably pose.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
Reference64 articles.
1. Suspended fine particulate matter (PM2.5), microplastics (MPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air: Their possible relationships and health implications;Akhbarizadeh R;Environmental Research,2021
2. Heavy metal enrichment and potential ecological risks from different solid mine wastes at a mine site in Ghana;Akoto R;Environmental Advances,2021
3. Analysis of PM2.5 concentrations under pollutant emission control strategies in the metropolitan area of São Paulo, Brazil;Albuquerque TdeA;Environmental Science and Pollution Research,2019
4. Vehicle emissions and PM2.5 mass concentrations in six Brazilian cities;Andrade M;Air Quality, Atmosphere, & Health,2012
5. Statistical assessment of background levels for metal contamination from a subtropical estuarine system in the SW Atlantic (Paranaguá Estuarine System, Brazil);Angeli JLF;Journal of Sedimentary Environments,2020