Subproject 12

Collection and analysis of atmospheric particulate matter

The research will evaluate the air quality in the vicinity of the area impacted by the spread of tailings from the rupture of Dam B1 in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais), according to the sampling plan, based on the determination of parameters PTS, MP10 and MP2.5, according to the Resolution CONAMA 491/2018, as well as the presence of inorganic and organic compounds in the collected materials. To do so, the following actions are proposed:

  • Review the sampling plan and adjust the sampling frequency and schedule
  • Install and operate monitoring systems, considering intermittent operation between sampling points;
  • Quantify the concentration of particulate matter (PTS, MP10 and MP2.5) collected during the sampling period through gravimetric analysis;
  • Perform morphological analysis of previously selected samples using a scanning electron microscope (SEM);
  • Identify and quantify the chemical composition of the particulate material through analytical techniques (gas chromatography, ion chromatography, total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and thermo-optical transmittance);
  • Estimate the mass balance of the particulate material from the identified chemical composition;
  • Carry out meteorological simulation for the full year of 2020 and for the same period of particulate material collection;
  • Validate numerical modeling using data collected in the experimental campaign;
  • Carry out air quality simulation to assess the levels of particulate matter concentrations in the entire area of ​​Brumadinho;
  • Carry out a risk factor study for lung cancer through the analysis of benzo(a)pyrene equivalent and the mortality rate through data from SUS-MS.11.11.
  • Prepare technical reports (partial and final) containing the results obtained from mass concentration in particulate material collections, relating them in an integrated manner with the results obtained for the physical-chemical characterization, as well as the numerical modeling.

Methodological Steps

Step 1: Sampling planning and analytical instrumentation;

Step 2: Training of scholarship holders to carry out collections, instrument calibration;

Step 3: Monitoring of particulate matter in Brumadinho;

Step 4: Analytical techniques used for chemical analysis of particulate material;

              Gravimetric analysis to quantify sampled concentrations;

             Composition of the ion fraction in MP (Ion Chromatography);

             Composition of the metallic fraction in MP (TXRF and ICP-MS);

             Composition of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) fraction in MP;

             Volatile organic composition in MP.

Step 5: Physical analysis of the morphology of the collected particulate material;

Step 6: Evaluation and discussion of results, regarding legal and regulatory aspects, national and international. Comparison of results with data from previous studies;

Step 7: Carrying out the Air Quality Modeling;

              Modeling of weather conditions;

              Estimate of atmospheric emissions;

              Numerical simulation of air quality.

Step 8: Study of risk factor for lung cancer;

Step 9: Integrated analysis of results and preparation of a final report

 

Meet the Team!

 

 

Subproject Timeline 12

Month 1 (12/2020)
Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
Month 5
Month 6
Month 7
Month 8
Month 9
Month 10
Month 11
Month 12 (12/2021)

• Hiring of scholarship holders;
• Equipment purchase order;
• Results of numerical simulations and emissions inventory

• Team training ;
• Preparation of the collection schedule;
• Calibration of purchased equipment,
• Results of numerical simulations and emissions inventory;

• Equipment calibration purchased;
• Delivery of partial report;
• Results of numerical simulations and emissions inventory

• Sampling campaign ;
• Results of numerical simulations and emissions inventory;
• Presentation of results;

• Sampling campaign performed;
• Results of numerical simulations and emissions inventory;

• Sampling campaign performed;
• Results of chemical analysis of collected MP;
• Partial report delivery;
• Results of numerical simulations and emissions inventory

• Sampling campaign performed;
• Results of chemical analysis of collected MP;
• Partial report delivery;
• Results of numerical simulations and emissions inventory

• Sampling campaign carried out;
• Results of chemical analysis of collected MP;
• Partial report delivery;
• Results of numerical simulations and emissions inventory

• Analysis results physics of the collected MP;
• Partial report delivery;
• Results of numerical simulations and emissions inventory;

• Simulation results numbers and emissions inventory;
• Delivery of the final report;

• Report delivery end;

• Report delivery end;
• Presentation of results;