Evaluation of weather conditions in days with high particulate matter concentrations in the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT:

In the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro, high levels of particulate matter concentrations (PM₁₀) with violations of the limits established by CONAMA Resolution 03/90 are routinely recorded. Analyzing data recorded between 1998 and 2008, 146 days with concentrations above these values were identified. In those days, it was possible to verify the influence of South Atlantic Subtropical Anticyclone, the lack of precipitation and temperature inversions in the lower troposphere, which confirm the strong relationship between high PM₁₀ concentration and the atmospheric conditions in region.

Keywords:
particulate matter; air quality