Urban air pollution: a representative survey of PM2.5 mass concentrations in six Brazilian cities

In urban areas of Brazil, vehicle emissions are the principal source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The World Health Organization air quality guidelines state that the annual mean concentration of PM2.5 should be below 10 μg m−3. In a collaboration of Brazilian institutions, coordinated by the University of São Paulo School of Medicine and conducted from June 2007 to August 2008, PM2.5 mass was monitored at sites with high traffic volumes in six Brazilian state capitals. We employed gravimetry to determine PM2.5 mass concentrations, reflectance to quantify black carbon concentrations, X-ray fluorescence to characterize elemental composition, and ion chromatography to determine the composition and concentrations of anions and cations. Mean PM2.5 concentrations and proportions of black carbon (BC) in the cities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Recife, and Porto Alegre were 28.1 ± 13.6 μg m−3 (38% BC), 17.2 ± 11.2 μg m−3 (20% BC), 14.7 ± 7.7 μg m−3 (31% BC), 14.4 ± 9.5 μg m−3 (30% BC), 7.3 ± 3.1 μg m−3 (26% BC), and 13.4 ± 9.9 μg m−3 (26% BC), respectively. Sulfur and minerals (Al, Si, Ca, and Fe), derived from fuel combustion and soil resuspension, respectively, were the principal elements of the PM2.5 mass. We discuss the long-term health effects for each metropolitan region in terms of excess mortality risk, which translates to greater health care expenditures. This information could prove useful to decision makers at local environmental agencies

Cobertura vacinal e incidência de sarampo na Região Norte do Brasil

Introduction: Measles is an immunopreventable viral disease, acute exanthematous and extremely transmissible. Infection occurs directly, from person to person, through respiratory secretions. The measles vaccine is low-cost and effective, but measles still affects around 40 million people worldwide and is responsible for at least 800,000 deaths, mainly in developing countries. Objective: To analyze vaccination coverage and measles incidence in Northern Brazil. Methods: This is an ecological study. Secondary data were used regarding vaccination coverage of the viral double, viral triple and viral tetra and incidence of measles in residents in the States of the Northern Region, Brazil, from 2010 to 2018. Results: Confirmed measles cases in 2010 to 2018 in the Northern region of Brazil it registered 10,249, were reported in Amazonas (95.65%), Roraima (3.53%), Pará (0.80%) and Rondônia (0.02%). Outbreaks of measles cases in the Northern Region were reported in 2018, the highest incidence rate was in Amazonas with 237.7. Vaccination coverage in the North Region varied between the lowest rate in 2013 with 56.88% and the highest vaccination coverage achieved in 2010, with 104.02%. Conclusion: It was possible to observe a reduction in vaccination coverage during the study period, not reaching the percentage recommended by the Ministry of Health and increasing the incidence of measles in the Northern Region of Brazil and these indicators are important to determine the strategies to be carried out by the National Program for Immunization and Epidemiological Surveillance.Introdução: O sarampo é uma doença viral imunoprevenível, exantematosa aguda e extremamente transmissível. A infecção ocorre de forma direta, de pessoa a pessoa, por meio das secreções respiratórias. A vacina contra o sarampo é de baixo custo e efetiva, porém o sarampo ainda acomete cerca de 40 milhões de pessoas no mundo e é responsável por pelo menos 800 mil mortes, principalmente em países em desenvolvimento. Objetivo: Analisar a cobertura vacinal e incidência de sarampo na Região Norte do Brasil. Método: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico. Utilizou-se dados secundários referente a cobertura vacinal da dupla viral, tríplice viral e tetra viral e incidência de sarampo em residentes nos Estados da Região Norte, Brasil, no período de 2010 a 2018. Resultados: Os casos confirmados de sarampo em 2010 a 2018 na região Norte do Brasil registrou 10.249, foram notificados no Amazonas (95,65%), Roraima (3,53%), Pará (0,80%) e Rondônia (0,02%). Os surtos de casos de sarampo na Região Norte foram notificados no ano de 2018, a maior taxa de incidência foi no Amazonas com 237,7. A cobertura vacinal da Região Norte variou entre o menor índice em 2013 com 56,88% e a maior cobertura vacinal alcançada em 2010, com 104,02%. Conclusão: Foi possível observar uma redução da cobertura vacinal no período de estudo, não atingindo o percentual preconizado pelo Ministério da Saúde e aumentando a incidência de sarampo na Região Norte do Brasil e estes indicadores são importantes para determinar as estratégias a serem realizadas pelo Programa de Imunização e Vigilância Epidemiológica

The Evolution of Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Carbon Monoxide Concentrations in the Metropolitan Area of Sao Paulo, Brazil

The Environmental Agency of Sao Paulo has a large dataset of carbon monoxide measurements: 20 years of records in 18 automatic stations inside the metropolitan area. However, a thorough investigation on the time evolution of CO concentration tendency and cycles also considering spatial variability is lacking. The investigation consists of a trend line analysis, a periodogram analysis, a correlation between CO concentration and meteorological variables, and spatial distribution of CO concentration. Local and federal policies helped in decreasing CO concentrations and the highest decreasing rate was 0.7% per month. This tendency is lately stabilizing, since the vehicles fleet is increasing. CO most relevant cycles are annual and diurnal and a few series indicate a weekly cycle. Diurnal cycle shows two peaks, morning and evening rush hours, 1.2 and 1.1 ppm, respectively, in 2012. However, lately there is an extended evening peak (20 h to 23 h), related to changes in emission patterns. The spatial analysis showed that CO concentration has high spatial variability and is influenced by proximity to heavy traffic and vegetated areas. The present work indicates that several processes affect CO concentration and these results form a valuable basis for other studies involving air quality modeling, mitigation, and urban planning

Cashew nut roasting: chemical characterization of particulate matter\ud and genotocixity analysis

Background: Particulate matter (PM) potentially harmful to health and related to genotoxic events, an increase in the number of hospitalizations and mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.\ud The present study conducted the first characterization of elemental composition and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) analysis of PM, as well as the biomonitoring of genotoxic activity associated to artesanal cashew nut roasting, an importante economic and social activity worldwide.\ud Methods: The levels of PM2.5 and black carbon were also measured by gravimetric analysis and light reflectance. The elementa lcomposition was determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and PAH analysis was carried out by gás chromatography–mass spectrometry. Genotoxic activity was measured by the Tradescantia pallida micronucleus bioassay (Trad-MCN).Other biomarkers of DNA damage, such as núcleoplasmic bridges and nuclear fragments, were also quantified. Results: The mean amount of PM2.5 accumulated in the filters (January 2124.2 mg/m3; May 1022.2 mg/m3;\ud September 1291.9 mg/m3), black carbon(January 363.6 mg/m3; May70 mg/m3; September 69.4 mg/m3) and concentrations of Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca ,Ti,Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br and Pb were significantly higher than the non-exposed area. Biomass burning tracers K,Cl, and S were the major inorganic compounds found. Benzo[k]fluoranthene, indene[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene, benzo[ghi]perylene, phenanthrene and benzo[b]fluor-\ud anthene were the most abundant PAHs. Mean benzo[a]pyrene-equivalent carcinogenic power values showed a significant câncer risk. The Trad-MCN bioassay revealed an increase in micronucleus frequency, 2–7 times higher than the negative control and significantly higher in all the months analyzed, possibly related to the mutagenic PAHs found.\ud Conclusions: This study demonstrated that artesanal cashew nut roasting is a serious occupational problem, with harmful effects on workers' health. Those involved in this activity are exposed to higher PM2.5 concentrations and to 12 PAHs considered potentially mutagenic and/or carcinogenic. The Trad-MCN with T. pallida was sensitive and efficient in evaluating the genotoxicity of the components and other nuclear alterations may be used as effective biomarkers of DNA damage.CNPq - 555223/2006-

Analysis of atmospheric aerosol (PM2.5) in Recife city, Brazil

Several studies indicate that mortality and morbidity can be well correlated to atmospheric aerosol concentrations with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5). In this work the PM2.5 at Recife city was analyzed as part of a main research project (INAIRA) to evaluate the air pollution impact on human health in six Brazilian metropolitan areas. The average concentration, for 309 samples (24-hr), from June 2007 to July 2008, was 7.3 µg/m³, with an average of 1.1 µg/m³ of black carbon. The elemental concentrations of samples were obtained by x-ray fluorescence. The concentrations were then used for characterizing the aerosol, and also were employed for receptor modelling to identify the major local sources of PM2.5. Positive matrix factorization analysis indicated six main factors, with four being associated to soil dust, vehicles and sea spray, metallurgical activities, and biomass burning, while for a chlorine factor, and others related to S, Ca, Br, and Na, we could make no specific source association. Principal component analysis also indicated six dominant factors, with some specific characteristics. Four factors were associated to soil dust, vehicles, biomass burning, and sea spray, while for the two others, a chlorine- and copper-related factor and a nickel-related factor, it was not possible to do a specific source association. The association of the factors to the likely sources was possible thanks to meteorological analysis and sources information. Each model, although giving similar results, showed factors’ peculiarities, especially for source apportionment. The observed PM2.5 concentration levels were acceptable, notwithstanding the high urbanization of the metropolitan area, probably due to favorable conditions for air pollution dispersion. More than a valuable historical register, these results should be very important for the next analysis, which will correlate health data, PM2.5 levels, and sources contributions in the context of the six studied Brazilian metropolisesHewlett FoundationCNPqFAPES

Vehicle emissions and PM2.5 mass concentrations in six Brazilian cities

In Brazil, the principal source of air pollution is the combustion of fuels (ethanol, gasohol, and diesel). In this study, we quantify the contributions that vehicle emissions make to the urban fine particulate matter (PM2.5) mass in six state capitals in Brazil, collecting data for use in a larger project evaluating the impact of air pollution on human health. From winter 2007 to winter 2008, we collected 24-h PM2.5 samples, employing gravimetry to determine PM2.5 mass concentrations; reflectance to quantify black carbon concentrations; X-ray fluorescence to characterize elemental composition; and ion chromatography to determine the composition and concentrations of anions and cations. Mean PM2.5 concentrations in the cities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, and Recife were 28, 17.2, 14.7, 14.4, 13.4, and 7.3 μg/m3, respectively. In São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, black carbon explained approximately 30% of the PM2.5 mass. We used receptor models to identify distinct source-related PM2.5 fractions and correlate those fractions with daily mortality rates. Using specific rotation factor analysis, we identified the following principal contributing factors: soil and crustal material; vehicle emissions and biomass burning (black carbon factor); and fuel oil combustion in industries (sulfur factor). In all six cities, vehicle emissions explained at least 40% of the PM2.5 mass. Elemental composition determination with receptor modeling proved an adequate strategy to identify air pollution sources and to evaluate their short- and long-term effects on human health. Our data could inform decisions regarding environmental policies vis-à-vis health care costs

Evaluation of burning aerosol influence on performance of solar radiation assessed by model GL - CPTEC

Solar radiation is absorbed by earth surface e reradiated to space as short or longwave radiation. The flux reaching the surface is balanced by another one in a different way and anything disturbing this balance can affect climate, like aerosols. This work used calculated and observed shortwave radiation in order to evaluate aerosol influence on radiation fluxes. Calculated values of irradiances were obtained by Global Model (Model GL) version 1.2 which uses satellite information (GOES 12) and evaluates global and UV+VIS radiation including water vapor, carbon dioxide and ozone absorption. Original data are reflectance with a spatial resolution of one pixel for 4 km (nadir at 75W longitude) and obtained radiation is reduced to average day radiation. Observed data were measured by pyranometers in different parts of Brazil (INPE network - PCD´s) which have the following sensors: temperature, relative humidity, pluviometer, wind speed, solar radiation (global and PAR), barometer, soil temperature, heat soil flux and total liquid radiation. GL model does not consider atmospheric aerosols in spite of they have an important role in radiation balance. In Amazônia Region and central Brazil biomass burning (mainly in September and October) can generate large amounts of aerosol. Model results were analyzed for five years (2001 to 2005) and compared to experimental data for some specific areas. Generally model results were greater than experimental data. It was observed a seasonal cycle for differences and values around +25 W.m-2 in areas with biomass burning aerosol presence (Cuiabá (56.07W;15.55S), for example). Studying areas without the presence of this aerosol, differences dropped to values smaller than +10 W.m-2. Temporal analysis showed an increase in differences since April, 2003, probably due to no correction in signal satellite degradation.Pages: 669-67

Traffic-related air quality trends in São Paulo, Brazil

The urban population of South America has grown at 1.05%/yr, greater urbanization increasing problems related to air pollution. In most large cities in South America, there has been no continuous long-term measurement of regulated pollutants. One exception is SAo Paulo, Brazil, where an air quality monitoring network has been in place since the 1970s. In this paper, we used an air quality-based approach to determine pollutant trends for emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O-3), and coarse particulate matter (PM10), mostly from mobile sources, in the Metropolitan Region of SAo Paulo for the 2000-2013 period. Mobile sources included light-duty vehicles (LDVs, comprising gasoline- or ethanol-powered cars and motorcycles) and heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs, comprising diesel-powered trucks and buses). Pollutant concentrations for mobile source emissions were measured and correlated with fuel sales by the emission factors. Over the 2000-2013 period, concentrations of NOx, CO, and PM10 decreased by 0.65, 0.37, and 0.71%month(-1), respectively, whereas sales of gasoline, ethanol, and diesel increased by 0.26, 1.96, and 0.38%month(-1), respectively. LDVs were the major mobile source of CO, whereas LDVs were the major source of NOx and PM10. Increases in fuel sales and in the corresponding traffic volume were partially offset by decreases in pollutant concentrations. Between 2000 and 2013, there was a sharp (-5ppbmonth(-1)) decrease in the concentrations of LDV-emitted CO, together with (less dramatic) decreases in the concentrations of HDV-emitted NOx and PM10 (-0.25 and -0.09ppbmonth(-1), respectively). Variability was greater for HDV-emitted NOx and PM10 (R=-0.47 and -0.41, respectively) than for LDV-emitted CO (R=-0.72). We draw the following conclusions: the observed concentrations of LDV-emitted CO decreased at a sharper rate than did those of HDV-emitted NOx and PM10; mobile source contributions to O-3 formation varied significantly, LDVs making a greater contribution during the 2000-2008 period, whereas HDVs made a greater contribution during the 2009-2013 period, and decreases in NOx emissions resulted in increases in O-3 observations1201262906340CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQ400419/2014-9Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (Sao Paulo Research Foundation) Research Program on Global Climate Change; Coordenacao de Acoes Nacionais do Programa Ciencia sem Fronteiras (Office for the Nationwide Activities of the Science Without Borders Program

The relationship between aerosol particles chemical composition and optical properties to identify the biomass burning contribution to fine particles concentration: a case study for Sao Paulo city, Brazil

The air quality in the Metropolitan Area of Sao Paulo (MASP) is primarily determined by the local pollution source contribution, mainly the vehicular fleet, but there is a concern about the role of remote sources to the fine mode particles (PM2.5) concentration and composition. One of the most important remote sources of atmospheric aerosol is the biomass burning emissions from Sao Paulo state's inland and from the central and north portions of Brazil. This study presents a synergy of different measurements of atmospheric aerosol chemistry and optical properties in the MASP in order to show how they can be used as a tool to identify particles from local and remote sources. For the clear identification of the local and remote source contribution, aerosol properties measurements at surface level were combined with vertical profiles information. Over 15 days in the austral winter of 2012, particulate matter (PM) was collected using a cascade impactor and a Partisol sampler in Sao Paulo City. Mass concentrations were determined by gravimetry, black carbon concentrations by reflectance, and trace element concentrations by X-ray fluorescence. Aerosol optical properties were studied using a multifilter rotating shadowband radiometer (MFRSR), a Lidar system and satellite data. Optical properties, concentrations, size distributions, and elemental composition of atmospheric particles were strongly related and varied according to meteorological conditions. During the sampling period, PM mean mass concentrations were 17.4 +/- 10.1 and 15.3 +/- 6.9 mu g/m(3) for the fine and coarse fractions, respectively. The mean aerosol optical depths at 415 nm and Angstrom exponent (AE) over the whole period were 0.29 +/- 0.14 and 1.35 +/- 0.11, respectively. Lidar ratios reached values of 75 sr. The analyses of the impacts of an event of biomass burning smoke transport to the Sao Paulo city revealed significant changing on local aerosol concentrations and optical parameters. The identification of the source contributions, local and remote, to the fine particles in MASP can be more precisely achieved when particle size composition and distribution, vertical profile of aerosols, and air mass trajectories are analyzed in combination.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Arts Sci & Humanities, Rua Arlindo Bettio1000, BR-03828000 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Inst Astron Geofis & Ciencias Atmosfer, Dept Ciencias Atmosfer, Rua Matao 1226, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Environm Sci, Rua Prof Artur Riedel 275, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilIPEN CNEN SP, Nucl & Energy Res Inst, Av Lineu Prestes 2242, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilEnvironmental Sciences Department, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Prof Artur Riedel 275, BR-09972270, Diadema, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2008/58104-8FAPESP: 2011/14365-5FAPESP: 2012/24689-5Web of Scienc