Evaluation of atmospheric particulate matter from an industrial area in Southeast Brazil.

A large number of pollutants, such as trace elements, can be found on the surface of atmospheric particulate matter. Since some trace elements can be hazardous to humans, monitoring the atmospheric emissions is relevant to generate comparative data over the years and to predict the health risks of the exposed population. Thus, the aim of this study was to monitor the concentrations of trace elements in atmospheric particulate matter samples from an industrial area in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, in Southeast Brazil. After the sampling campaign, the samples (n = 22) were prepared with microwave-assisted extraction and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Then, the analyte results were evaluated through statistical approaches. The enrichment factor calculation, Pearson correlation, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to identify the main source of each analyte. The samples presented high levels of Al and Fe, which were mainly associated with natural sources, such as resuspension of soil dust. Cr and Mn mostly can come from natural origin. The anthropogenic influence showed increasing trends for As and Cu, indicating that these elements can be from sources other than natural ones, such as industrial processes and vehicle emissions. Furthermore, extremely high enrichment was observed for Cd, Pb, and Zn, indicating strong anthropogenic impact, which may be related to industrial activity in this area. Thus, the industrial emissions were probably the main source of these analytes in the investigated samples.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb from Sediment, Followed by FAAS and GFAAS Analysis.

An ultrasound method for simultaneous extraction of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb from sediment, and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) was proposed. The experimental results obtained using analytical curves and the method of standard additions agreed at a confidence level of 95% for all the analytes, as determined by FAAS and GFAAS, indicating no significant matrix effects. Recoveries ranged from 80.1 to 93.7% (certified reference material) and from 89 to 107% (spike tests). The LOD and LOQ results from the method were consistent with the techniques used (FAAS and GFAAS), with high analytical throughput. The proposed method was then used to determine Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in river sediment samples from Rio Doce, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The results indicated levels below those permitted by Brazilian legislation for all the analytes, with the exception of Cr.