Identification of sources of pollutants in precipitation measured at the mid-Atlantic US coast using potential source contribution function (PSCF)

Abstract

Potential source contribution function (PSCF) was employed to study the source receptor relationships for 14 chemical species (Mn, SO 4 2−, Zn, Al, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Cd, NO 3, NH 4 +, K +, Mg 2+,and Pb) found in precipitation collected at Lewes, Delaware. This study identified areas of the Eastern United States as possible emission source areas that could have contributed to the 14 element concentrations observed at Lewes. The identified regions in the Eastern United States generally coincide well with known emission source areas. The likely emission sources for these chemical species include oil- and coal-fired power plants, incinerators, motor vehicles, and iron and steel mills.