Characterisation of aerosol particles in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area

Aerosol samples were collected in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area, Brazil, during two periods (winter and summer) for fine and coarse particles; they were analysed by gravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and electron probe X-ray micro analysis (EPXMA) in order to investigate the mass concentration, morphology and physico–chemical properties of the particles. The gravimetry and PIXE results confirmed that the aerosol concentration is higher in winter than in summer, as expected from the climatological conditions (dry winter and humid summer). Hierarchical cluster analysis of the EPXMA results showed the presence of metal compounds, silicon-rich particles, sulphates, carbonates, chlorides, organics and biogenic particles.