Abstract: The city of Matozinhos in Minas Gerais state is part of the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte and is home to an important industrial hub, which stands out for limestone mining, lime and cement production, pig iron, ceramics and foundry. These industries are potentially emitters of air pollutants which, if not properly controlled, could impact the city’s air quality. Previously, Matozinhos did not have a comprehensive and integrated air quality monitoring system, capable of continuously and reliably reporting atmospheric pollution levels. Addressing this gap, the Ministério Público de Minas Gerais -MPMG (Minas Gerais District Attorney Office) hired EcoSoft to assess the air quality in Matozinhos, identify the key sources of atmospheric pollutants and their impact on the air quality, and ultimately to develop a monitoring network to inform local management about air quality conditions. The study followed these steps: (1) compiling an atmospheric emissions inventory, (2) characterizing the study area including its meteorology, topography and land use, (3) modeling the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants, (4) pinpointing potential impacts on the municipality’s air quality, (5) identifying key areas for monitoring based on high pollutant concentrations and population density and (6) optimizing the placement of monitoring stations. Major industrial emissions sources and principal traffic routes were inventoried following US EPA protocols, aiding the implementation of the AERMOD dispersion model. Meteorological data for the modeling was sourced from Tancredo Neves International Airport in Confins, MG. The findings highlighted areas most prone to air quality deterioration. Using these insights, combined with spatialized population data, three priority areas for air quality monitoring were established within the municipality. These sites now feature automatic monitors for TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 (Beta attenuation monitor) and manual monitoring for sedimentable particle deposition rates (ABNT NBR 12065). Continuous, systematic, and representative air quality monitoring is crucial for tracking pollution exposure levels in the population. With this new network, Matozinhos can ensure compliance with air quality standards and foster the development of public policies aimed at ongoing air quality improvement.

Keywords: air quality, monitoring, network design, modelling, emission inventory.