Avaliação da qualidade do ar em área rural de Uberaba-MG

Abstract

Air pollution has emerged as a global environmental problem that threatens human health, causing millions of deaths and decreasing the quality of life of people every year. In this context, this study aimed to assess air quality in relation to the potential impact on respiratory health within a rural school community in Uberaba-MG. To achieve this, the concentration of particulate matter (PM10) and the composition of total suspended particles (TSP) concerning the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTE) and microplastics were monitored at the school (point A) and at two other locations in the central urban area (point B) and the peripheral area of the municipality (point C). Health data were obtained through a questionnaire administered to the staff of the rural school. Environmental data were subjected to ANOVA and comparisons of unequal means using the Tukey test. Respiratory health data were analyzed and discussed according to Bardin’s content analysis. The highest concentrations of PM10 were recorded at point A, which reached a maximum of 159.32 μg/m³ over a 24-hour period, corresponding to “very poor” air quality. At point C, most concentrations were higher than 50 μg/m³, while point B had values corresponding to good air quality. The daily standard (120 μg/m³) was exceeded at points A and C. The metallic elements lead (Pb) and iron (Fe) were identified in TSP samples from all three points. Point A showed the highest concentration of Fe and was the only location to record the presence of cadmium (Cd). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified the presence of: polystyrene (PS); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyethylene (PE); polypropylene (PP); polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); and nylon. The questionnaires highlighted the presence of respiratory diseases and symptoms among the staff at the rural school, characterizing the air quality at the workplace as poor or very poor, especially during winter. This research provides important technical-scientific information regarding the concentration of inhalable particles, PTEs, and microplastics associated with particulate matter and their impacts on the respiratory health of the community. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the implementation of public policies aimed at improving the quality of life for the population.