Abstract: An essential strategy for managing air quality in regions affected by railway operations involves the application of polymers to freight cars during the transport of bulk materials. This measure aims to minimize the dispersion of particles caused by wind action, playing a fundamental role in mitigating the environmental impacts of railway activity on air quality and protecting the integrity of the transported cargo. However, due to the vast extent of railways used for iron ore transportation, considerable challenges arise concerning the monitoring of environmental effects on communities along the route. The current air quality criteria and standards are established by Resolution No. 491, dated November 19, 2018, which defines specific parameters and guidelines. However, the assessment of air quality in areas traversed by iron ore trains does not provide a complete view of the railway’s impact, nor does it account for fluctuations that occur during transport. The monitoring system defined by this resolution alone is insufficient to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of polymer application in controlling environmental impacts on air quality. To adequately assess the impact of polymer application throughout the route, Econservation Estudos e Projetos Ambientais has developed a specific methodology for monitoring air quality in railway compositions. This methodology encompasses data collection correlated with variables such as speed, geographical location, operational characteristics, and visual observations related to the iron ore wagons. The implementation of this monitoring involves the installation of particle counting devices in various railway cars, which take readings at one-minute intervals while in motion. These devices use a laser beam to analyze particles present in the air sample, providing an effective method for assessing air quality during railway transport. It is important to highlight that, unlike fixed sources of pollution, there is no established national methodology for monitoring mobile sources, such as railway trains. Therefore, this methodology proves to be an essential tool for evaluating and controlling the environmental impact of railway transport on air quality and guiding the implementation of comprehensive monitoring programs along railways. The main objective of this work is to present the developed methodology, detailing its creation process and sharing the results obtained through the conducted monitoring campaign. This effort aims to contribute to more effective air quality management in regions affected by railway operations, promoting a more comprehensive and informed approach to the environmental impact of this crucial activity.

Keywords: Air quality, Monitoring, Environmental Impacts