The chemical and morphological characterization of the particulate matter found into the air of Cuiaba Municipality - Mato Grosso State - Brazil, during the forest burning period of 2012, was performed by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with X-ray Micro-analysis (SEM/EDS) techniques. It should be noted that there are few studies on the subject, particularly for Cuiaba Municipality and region. Using SEM/EDS techniques was possible the classification of the particulate matter in four different groups, defined by morphological similarity and chemical composition: agglomerates, plates, fibers and spheroids. Ten chemical elements (Al, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr e Ba) were identified and quantified by EDXRF, mainly showing the existence of re-suspension of soil particles by mechanical processes and fires (Al, Fe, Ca, K e Cl), and in minor extent vehicle and industrial emissions (Zn, S, Cu). Concentrations of particulate matter found in air, after long drought, attained 306 μg/m3 of air, exceeding the physical limit established by the Brazilian environmental national council (CONAMA) and showing the poor quality of the local air in the period. Furthermore, the fibrous particles identified in this study have not been previously reported, being apparently characteristic of the region, and presenting chemical composition consistent with a strong influence of fire on their production.
particulate matter; chemical and morphological characterization; fires
