Evaluation of Air Quality by Particulate Matter in Junin and Huancavelica, Peru

Anthropogenic atmospheric particles with a diameter of less than 2.5µm (PM2.5) and between 2.5 to 10 µm (PM10) are among the main contributors to air pollution and have become a serious pollution threat in the Junin and Huancavelica region of Peru. This increase could be due to the burning of vegetation in the Amazon region of Brazil. Therefore, data obtained with the low-cost PA-II Purpleair sensor were analyzed to measure particulate matter (fine and coarse fashions) in the Junin region (Chanchamayo, station T. Huancayo, station T1 and Chupaca, station T3) and Huancavelica (Pampas, station T2). Likewise, the Hysplit model was used to quantify the transboundary wind trajectories from the Amazon region in Brazil to the Junin region in Peru. Shows that, during the rainy season, the maximum concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 are 151 µg.m^-3 (station T1) and 178 µg.m^-3 (station T1), respectively. Finally, the results of the air quality index (AQI) for PM2.5 allow for the classification of the Huancayo and Chanchamayo stations with “very bad” and “moderate to bad” air quality, respectively. Also, in Pampas and Chupaca, the AQI is classified as very unhealthy and hazardous on almost 50% and 43% of days, respectively.