Concentrations of PM sub( 2.5-10) and PM sub( 2.5) and metallic elements around the Schmidt Stream area, in the Sinos River Basin, southern Brazil/Concentracoes de MP sub( 2,5-10) e MP sub( 2,5) e elementos metalicos junto a area do Arroio Schmidt, na bacia do Rio dos Sinos, sul do Brasil

This article aimed to evaluate the air quality, by determining the concentrations of PM sub( 2.5-10), PM sub( 2.5) and the metallic elements Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg in the leaf part of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) in an area close to Schmidt Stream, at the lower section of Sinos River Basin (SRB), in a research campaign of six months, from October 2013 to March 2014. Chemical and morphological analysis of PM revealed the presence of particles of biological origin, soot (Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb), salts (KCl) and soil resuspension (Al and Si). The integrated study methodology, employing environmental variables, such as PM and ryegrass, can be of help in the preparation of wide-ranging environmental diagnoses, in addition providing information needed to develop precautionary measures designed to minimize the effects of atmospheric pollution that takes into consideration the environment's supportive capacity and environmental quality.