title: Particulate matter analysis at elementary schools in Curitiba, Brazil.
abstract: The particulate matter indoors and outdoors of the classrooms at two schools in Curitiba, Brazil, was characterised in order to assess the indoor air quality. Information concerning the bulk composition was provided by energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). From the calculated indoor/outdoor ratios and the enrichment factors it was observed that S-, Cl- and Zn-rich particles are of concern in the indoor environment. In the present research, the chemical compositions of individual particles were quantitatively elucidated, including low-Z components like C, N and O, as well as higher-Z elements, using automated electron probe microanalysis low Z EPMA. Samples were further analysed for chemical and morphological aspects, determining the particle size distribution and classifying them according to elemental composition associations. Five classes were identified based on major elemental concentrations: aluminosilicate, soot, organic, calcium carbonate and iron-rich particles. The majority of the respirable particulate matter found inside of the classroom was composed of soot, biogenic and aluminosilicate particles. In view of the chemical composition and size distribution of the aerosol particles, local deposition efficiencies in the human respiratory system were calculated revealing the deposition of soot at alveolar level. The results showed that on average 42% of coarse particles are deposited at the extrathoracic level, whereas 24% are deposited at the pulmonary region. The fine fraction showed a deposition rate of approximately 18% for both deposition levels.
authors: Positivo University, Av. Prof. Pedro Viriato Parigot de Souza, 5300 Curitiba-PR, 81280-330, Curitiba, Brazil.
authors: Devanir
authors: D
authors: Avigo
authors: Ana F L
authors: AF
authors: Godoi
authors: Paulo R
authors: PR
authors: Janissek
authors: Yaroslava
authors: Y
authors: Makarovska
authors: Agnieszka
authors: A
authors: Krata
authors: Sanja
authors: S
authors: Potgieter-Vermaak
authors: Balint
authors: B
authors: Alfoldy
authors: René
authors: R
authors: Van Grieken
authors: Ricardo H M
authors: RH
authors: Godoi
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D012574:Schools
chemical_list: D052638:Particulate Matter