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Determination of PM2.5 sources using time-resolved integrated source and receptor models.
José H García1, Wen-Whai Li, Nidia Cárdenas
1Environmental Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 32470, USA. jhg@itesm.mx
Chemosphere
|August 12, 2006
Summary
Evening particulate matter (PM) spikes in Sunland Park were analyzed using multivariate statistics. Burning activities to the south were identified as the primary source of fine PM(2.5) pollution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Statistical Modeling
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM) spikes during evening hours present a significant air quality challenge.
- Identifying emission sources is crucial for effective air pollution control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pinpoint the sources contributing to elevated particulate matter levels during evening hours in Sunland Park, NM.
- To differentiate sources affecting fine PM(2.5) versus coarse PM(10).
Main Methods:
- Application of multivariate statistical techniques: Principal Components Analysis (PCA), Redundancy Analysis (RDA), and Absolute Principal Components Scores Analysis (APCSA).
- Analysis of 3-h average PM(2.5) mass and chemical composition, alongside 1-h average PM(2.5) and PM(10) mass and meteorological data from winter 2002.
Main Results:
- Multivariate analyses linked evening PM(2.5) spikes to burning activities south of Sunland Park, characterized by elevated antimony (Sb), chloride (Cl-), and elemental carbon.
- Approximately 68% of the PM(2.5) mass was attributed to this burning source.
- Evening PM(10) peaks were primarily attributed to resuspended dust from vehicular traffic, influenced by local terrain-induced drainage flow.
Conclusions:
- Burning activities south of Sunland Park are the dominant source of evening fine particulate matter.
- Resuspended road dust significantly contributes to coarse particulate matter during evening hours, exacerbated by local wind patterns.