AAAR 32nd Annual Conference
September 30 - October 4, 2013
Oregon Convention Center
Portland, Oregon, USA
Abstract View
Assessment of Gaseous and Particulate Air Pollutants at ATTO and Manaus: The Implication to the Health of Manaus Population
RICARDO H. M. GODOI, Cybelli G. G. Barbosa, Sarah L. Paralovo, Ana Flavia L. Godoi, Rodrigo A. F. Souza, Claudomiro M. Silva, Antonio O. Manzi, Yara S. Tadano, Federal University of Parana - Curitiba, PR, Brazil
Abstract Number: 414 Working Group: Health Related Aerosols
Abstract Amazon region is one of the most significant natural ecosystems on the planet. A major study area involves the interface forest-city, especially by adverse impacts on the human population and vegetation. Therefore, the chosen sampling sites are Manaus city and ATTO, located in Amazon rainforest.
Daily sampling of 2.5 micrometers particulate matter are carried out in both sites. Gravimetric and reflectance data clearly differentiate the dry and rainy seasons, with average of 180 micrograms and 70 micrograms respectively for the urban area, representing a decrease of 0.23 percent in life expectancy for the local population, but considering just the dry season it increases to 1.5 percent, with a daily level peak around 38 percent. XRF indicates presence of significant levels of sodium, aluminum, sulfur, iron, magnesium and calcium, that when combined, may enhance the risk of respiratory diseases. The forest area shows average mass about 50 micrograms, where primarily biogenic elements plus aluminum and silicon are observed.
Size segregated aerosol samples are collected at ATTO for analyses of bulk and single particle elemental and molecular compositions, analyzed by micro Raman spectrometry and electron probe micro-analysis, utilizing facilities for low-Z element determination and XRF.
Considering the harmful effects of gaseous pollutants and the possible influence of BTEX in the formation of secondary organic aerosols, monthly sampling of BTEX, NO$_2, SO$_2, O$_3 and acetic and formic acids from both sites are also studied. Partial results present high concentration of formic acid in the forest area.
Results are interpreted separately and as a whole with the specific aim of identifying compounds that could affect the population’s health in Manaus and/or could act as CCN. Chemical analysis supports the elucidation of the possible origins, transport mechanisms, health and main effects of the assessed pollutants in those environments.