INHALABLE PARTICULATE MATTER CHARACTERIZATION IN A MEDIUM-SIZED URBAN REGION IN BRAZIL (SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS TOWN) - PART I: MORPHOLOGY

In this study, the concentration and morphological characteristics of inhalable particulate material (PM10) were evaluated and associated with climatic conditions. The mean annual concentration was 11.0 mu g m(-3), varying between 0,647 mu g m(-3) and 36.8 mu g m(-3). Wind speed has a higher influence on PM10 dispersion, but direction was associated with particle source. During the wet period, wind speed is the main dispersion factor, while speed and direction both are important during the dry period. Based on the morphological characteristics, it is concluded that biogenic particles prevail during the rainy season and terrigenous particles during the dry period, depending on the wind direction and intensity.