Air quality in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Abstract

Studies of different gaseous contaminants and particulate matter were made in several cities of the Buenos Aires Province in Argentina. These cities have noticeable differences in relation to the number of inhabitants, vehicular density, industrial activities, etc. They are La Plata, Bahía Blanca, Mar del Plata, Pergamino and San Nicolás, among other towns. In each city, continuous monitoring equipment with electrochemical sensor technology was installed, in order to determine the NOx, CO, HC, SO<SUB>2</SUB> and O<SUB>3</SUB> concentration. The particulate matter samples were picked up using high volume equipment and daily concentrations corresponding to total suspended solids (PM) were determined by a gravimetric method. The particles were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron diffraction analysis X-ray (EDAX). The results obtained showed a direct relationship between the type and quantity of the present particles and the general characteristics of the towns. The present study is part of the research project "Study of the Air Quality in Buenos Aires Province", financially supported by the National Agency of Scientific and Technological Promotion, Argentina.