Impact of Fixed Sources on Urban Aerosol Formation in Sao Paulo State, Brazil
IARA DA SILVA, Caroline Fernanda Hei Wikuats, Tailine Corrêa dos Santos, Leila Droprinchinski Martins, Edmilson Dias de Freitas, University of São Paulo
Abstract Number: 612
Working Group: Urban Aerosols
Abstract
Aerosols are airborne particles that range in size from nanometers to micrometers. In major urban areas, aerosols from anthropogenic sources are associated with several human health problems. On both regional and global levels, the health impacts are highlighted, but aerosols also significantly influence Earth's radiative balance and climate through direct and indirect mechanisms. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the formation, spatial and temporal evolution, and chemical composition of aerosols. The state of São Paulo faces air quality issues related to aerosols. According to the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (CETESB), fine particles with diameters smaller than 2.5 micrometers frequently exceed legal state limits. Studies indicate that vehicle emissions are the primary source of atmospheric aerosols in São Paulo, while approximately 40% originate from fixed and other sources . To investigate the impact of fixed sources on particle concentrations in the São Paulo region, simulations were conducted using the WRF-Chem model. In the northern part of the São Paulo state, significant fixed sources are related to energy production from the combustion of sugarcane bagasse, as it is an important sugar-alcohol hub in the country. Additionally, the city of Paulínia, near the metropolitan region of São Paulo, hosts a cluster of ceramic industries, which are high emitters of aerosols. Meanwhile,Cubatão, located on the coast, has historically been significantly impacted by industrial emissions. Our study shows that industrial emissions impact particle concentrations, with values around 20 µg/m³ in the state. During the simulated period, 10 to 25th June, 2019, industrial emissions accounted for approximately 48% of the PM2.5 concentration at stations located in the Cubatão region. This result aligns with other studies indicating that industrial processes are a major source of PM2.5 in the Cubatão region.