Análise da concentração de material particulado (MP2,5) na área de influência do Corredor Viário Transolímpica - RJ

Abstract

The construction and operation of highways results in major environmental impacts, among them change in air quality. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is one of the main pollutants that contribute to decrease air quality in highways influenced areas. This particulate matter type can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and cause health problems in the population exposed. At Transolímpica, a highway in Rio de Janeiro, PM2.5 monitoring was carried out during the road construction and operation of as part of its environmental licensing process, which has as environmental agency the Instituto Estadual do Ambiente. The present study analyzed PM2.5 concentration in two air quality monitoring stations from October 2014 to October 2018, contemplating road construction and operation phases. PM2.5 concentration was compared between construction and operation phases and with and the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. In addition, local air quality was evaluated and meteorological variables were correlated with PM2.5 concentration. The results showed that the Resolução CONAMA N° 491/2018 limit of was extrapolated 3 days in construction phase and the recommended WHO limit was violated in 81 days of sampling. The comparison between the Transolímpica construction and operation phases showed that during the construction MP2.5 concentration was about 24 % higher. The air quality was classified as GOOD in both phases. All variables were poorly correlated with MP2.5 concentration. The main cause raised to explain the higher MP2.5 concentration in construction phase is the high flow of diesel-powered vehicles in place, compared to the operating phase.