Abstract:
<p align="justify"> This work reports the determination of the concentration and chemical composition of atmospheric particles in the urban districts of Charqueadas and Sapucaiia do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Chemical composition, morphology, and particle size were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive x=ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS). Cluster analysis showed that there were six types of particles: Fe-Zn, Fe, Si=Al, Si, Ca-S, and Na. Factorial analysis from cluster data showed that particles rich in Fe-Zn, Si-Al, and Ca-S appeared more frequently, indicating anthropogenic influence (vehicles, steel plant, coal-fired power station). The experimental results and consideration of the wind directions show that the main source of pollution in Charqueadas appears to be due to coal mining and steel industries, while in Sapucaia do Sul due to steel plants and vehicles. </p>