Determination of Trace Elements in Particulate Matter From an Urban Area Near an Industrial Complex by Micro‐ <scp>XRF</scp>

ABSTRACT Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is a major environmental pollutant, associated with negative impacts on air quality and the global climate, as well as contributing to the development of respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and lung cancer. This study investigated the presence of trace elements and heavy metals in PM collected in urban areas near the Petrochemical Complex in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PM samples were obtained using a cascade impactor. The filters were analyzed by X‐ray microfluorescence (micro‐XRF) using a Tornado M4 spectrometer (Bruker). The elements Mg, Al, Si, S, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, and Pb were identified in the particulate matter, with differences in the intensities (photon counts) between the respirable (PM 2.5 ) and inhalable (PM 10 ) fractions of almost all elements. Statistical analysis revealed correlations between specific elements, allowing them to be associated with emission sources such as petrochemical activities, vehicle traffic and re‐suspension of industrial dust. In addition, it was observed that fine PM from sites close to the refinery exhibited higher intensities of toxic metals, reinforcing the possibility that these metals may penetrate the respiratory tract and cause damage to human health. The results suggest the direct influence of the Duque de Caxias Petrochemical Complex on the composition of PM in the region, highlighting the need for emission control strategies. The study also demonstrated the efficiency of the micro‐XRF technique in elemental composition characterization of PM in filters, contributing to the understanding of air quality in highly industrialized regions and its environmental and health impacts.