Chemical characterization and source identification of particulate matter PM10 in a rural and urban site in Poland

Abstract

The measurements of PM10 at two sites in Poland – a typical village and a big city considered urban background – indicated only a small difference in PM10 concentrations. In summer time, the concentrations of PM10 did not exceed the daily limit value of 50 μg/m while in wintertime, the daily limit value was exceeded for almost all sampling days for both sites. Source contributions to ambient PM10 were determined with factor analysis (FA) and multilinear regression analysis (MLRA) based on PM10 composition data including concentrations of K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Pb and As. In the winter, local combustion sources contributed with 61% and 79% to total mass in the urban and rural sites, respectively, reflecting serious local or even regional problem associated with PM10 pollution. The episodic presence of As, the commonly known toxic element, requires a detailed study for better understanding of its temporal distribution both in the rural and urban atmosphere.