Abstract

Atmospheric particulate matter PM10, was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to an X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectrometer with the purpose of characterizing the particles taken at a air quality monitoring station located in the populated area of Santa Cruz de Mara, Zulia State, Venezuela. The study included the filters used in the dry and rainy periods of 2008, which found a group of elements associated with sands and potential metals-containing minerals. Likewise, we found a significant difference between the elemental composition of the wet and dry periods, finding in the latter a large number of minor and trace elements. The back trajectories at the mentioned periods highlight the influence upon PM10 particles of the air masses predominantly from the coast of Falcon State, Coro Dunes and Castillete. With this work were able to find the PM10 elemental chemical profile and its variation depending on the weather conditions of the area, analyzing a total of 3151 particles. Finally, the main morphological characteristics of PTS were determined.