Chemical Composition of PM10 and PM2.5 and Seasonal Variation in South Brazil

This paper presents experimental data on particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in the atmosphere of Candiota-South Brazil. Samples were collected using stacked filter units equipped with polycarbonate filters, which separate particles into two fractions: coarse 10-2.5 mu m and fine < 2.5 mu m. The particulate matter was collected from January 2003 to September 2004 at three sampling sites: Acegua, 8 de Agosto, and TrA(a)s Lagoas. The collected material was analyzed for Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Mo, Hg, and Pb, using particle-induced X-ray emission technique. Seasonal variation of the chemical elements with the size fraction was assessed. The elements K, Ca, Si, Ti, Fe, and Mn showed similar seasonal variability in the fine and coarse fractions with a low enrichment factor (< 1.0) in both fractions, except for Mn and K, indicating common sources (soil dust, fly ash). Chemical species showing seasonal variability and high values of enrichment factor in fine fractions may indicate an anthropogenic origin.