Positive matrix factorization on source apportionment for typical pollutants in different environmental media: a...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Atmospheric Chemistry

Background:

• Bibliometric analysis shows over 1000 papers on positive matrix factorization (PMF) and source apportionment, with 50% from Asia.
• PMF, a receptor-based model, is extensively used for source apportionment of diverse environmental pollutants.
• Review focuses on papers from 2008-2018 concerning pollutant source apportionment in various environmental media.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare and summarize source categories of environmental pollutants using PMF.
• To provide a special focus on the source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
• To identify key emission sources and inform abatement strategies.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 'Web of Science' publications.
• Review of research papers (2008-2018) on source apportionment.
• Application of Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) for pollutant source identification.

Main Results:

• Coal combustion and vehicular emissions are the primary sources of PAHs.
• Heavy metals originate mainly from agriculture, industry, vehicles, and mining.
• Fossil fuel combustion significantly contributes to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter.

Conclusions:

• Abatement strategies should prioritize energy structure and industrial activity changes, particularly in China.
• Further research is needed for comprehensive source apportionment of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).