Dissertação - Centro Tecnológico / UFES - Universidade Federal do ...

ABSTRACT
Most scientific studies regarding the atmospheric aerosol is related to fine particles (less than
2.5 µm or less than 10 µm), due to its effects on lung health of humans; however, larger
particles can cause considerable annoyance to the population, due to their deposition on
surfaces (Settled Particulate Matter – SPM). Most experimental methods for the quantification
of these particles are laborious and expensive, motivating the use of theoretical methods or
indirect methods of quantification. The aim of the indirect methods is to reduce the cost of
measurements and time to obtain the data. In this context, the objective of this study is to
evaluate the hypothesis using data of TSP concentration (measured by automated equipment)
for calculating the deposition flux, replacing the use of experimental methods for direct
measurements of deposition based on gravimetry.
Within this target, this study sought to contribute in the implementation of the monitoring
network of sedimentary particles as well as expedite the process of obtaining the data flow of
deposition of these particles. The deposition fluxes were measured from April 2009 to April
2010 at 7 stations of the Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network (RAMQAR), by using
ASTM D1739 (1998). The deposition flux was estimated by four mathematical models. Three
models are based on models existing literature and one model is based on a curve fit to obtain
the deposition rate from the experimental data of deposition. The latter model showed better
results than others, given the successful outcome of this last model was applied to the stations.
Overall, the results were satisfactory, achieving 93% predict average flux values for the
region. Thus, in general, the results indicate the a simple linear fitting can be used as a aiding
tool for fast estimating of deposition fluxes where TSP measurements are available.
Nonetheless, the model is dependent on the existence of deposition flux measurements for
calibration.
Key-words: Atmospheric Aerosol, Settled Particles, Total Suspended Particles.