Influência das características geomorfológicas e climáticas no movimento de uma pluma de poluentes: exemplo do distrito industrial de Pirapora, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the movement of a plume of atmospheric particulates emitted in the industrial district of Pirapora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The methodology included the study of wind direction and speed, evaluation of plume extent and direction in satellite images and field observations and the geomorphological conditioninsbased on mapping and SRTM data. The regional atmospheric dynamics are marked by winds mainly from the NE and therefore the preferred plume orientation is SW. Two geomorphological corridors (NE-SW) and (E-W) with altitudesof 600 m and 800m controlled the plume dispersion in the direction of SW and E. The greatest environmental risk of deposition of pollutants carried by winds from the East is given by the plume distribution in around128.5 km. The information of satellite images associated with wind dynamics and geomorphological features allowed the identification of different areas with different degree of air quality degradation and particulate accumulation. These results should subsidize environmental management actions, as well as assist inpublic managersdecisions