Source Apportionment of Inorganic and Organic PM in the Ambient Air around a Cement Plant: Assessment of Complementary Tools

• DOI: 10.4209/aaqr.2016.06.0276
• Publication Date: 2016-11-18T05:57:30Z
• Authors: Montse Mari; Francisco Sánchez...; Carme Audí-Miró; Barend L. van Drooge; Albert Soler; Joan O. Grimalt; Marta Schuhmacher
• Keywords: TRACER

In this study, we analyzed the sources of ambient PM inorganic and organic components near a cement plant using fossil fuels as well alternative fuels, such sewage sludge biomass. Source apportionment methodologies, i.e., principal component analysis (PCA) multivariate curve resolution by alternating least squares (MCR-ALS), carbon isotope (δ13C) were used to determine potential their contributions. Four PM10 main tracer compounds constituents identified: marine secondary aerosol, plant/industrial, traffic crustal. The contributions those varied significantly depending on period year. However, species in area mainly released combustion sources, namely activity plant, especially winter months. analyses also indicated biomass burning fuel combustion, predominant contributors air (62, 59 69%, PM10, PM2.5 PM1, respectively). Organic dust was significant source (33%) while its contribution found be minor finest fractions (9 2% Results δ13C corroborated or higher influence mineral (calcite) powder larger particles.