The Effects of Reducing Vehicular Emissions in Atmospheric Hydrocarbon Concentrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Vehicles in urban environments are the main source of criteria pollutants as well as hydrocarbons (HC), which contribute to the formation of ozone and secondary organic aerosols (especially fine particles, PM 2.5 ). In Brazil, HC emission standards have been set by the National Program for Controlling Air Pollution by Vehicles (PROCONVE) since 2007. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration, speciation, and ozone forming potential (OFP) of C 2 –C 12 HC, collected, in 2023, in an urban area of the city of Rio de Janeiro, that is characterized by vehicular emissions. Samples were collected by means of stainless-steel canisters, and then thermally desorbed and analyzed by heart-cutting multidimensional gas chromatography, with the aid of two detectors (MSD and FID) and two columns. The results were compared with data published in previous years, in the same seasonal period (the dry season) and at locations with similar emission features, to assess the effectiveness of the Brazilian vehicular emission control system. They show a reduction of total concentrations, in particular of aromatic compounds, and a lowering of the average OFP, despite an increase in the traffic volume. Clearly, the reduction in concentrations and atmospheric reactivity has resulted from attempts to ensure the vehicular fleet meets the requirements of PROCONVE.
Source: ACS Omega
Authors: Margarida Maria Sartori Tavares, Rennan Guedes Carneiro, Graciela Arbilla, Cleyton Martins da Silva, Sergio Machado Corrêa
Language: English
Subfield: Atmospheric Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,935
Funders: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Fundação Nacional de Desenvolvimento do Ensino Superior Particular, Fundación Universitaria de Navarra, Division of Graduate Education
OpenAlex ID: W4416673575