PM10 source apportionment in California's San Joaquin Valley

A PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 10 μm) aerosol study was carried out at six sites in California's San Joaquin Valley (SJV) from 14 June 1988 to 9 June 1989, as part of the 1988-1989 Valley Air Quality Study (VAQS). Concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 (particles with aerodynamic diameters equal to or less than 2.5 μm) mass, organic and elemental carbon, nitrate, sulfate, ammonium and elements were determined in 24-h aerosol samples collected at three urban (Stockton, Fresno, Bakersfield) and three non-urban (Crows Landing, Fellows, Kern Wildlife Refuge) locations during this period. The sources which contributed to ambient concentrations of PM10 were determined by applying the Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) receptor model using the source profiles determined specifically for that study area. The VAQS data indicates the federal 24-h PM10 standard of 150 μg m-3 was exceeded at four out of the six sites and for reasons which differ by season and by spatial region of influence. The annual average source contributions to the PM10 at Bakersfield, the site with the highest annual average, were 54% from primary geological material, 15% from secondary ammonium nitrate, 10% from primary motor vehicle exhaust, 8% from primary construction; the remaining 4% was unexplained. The results of the source apportionment at all sites show that geological contributions (fugitive dust from tilling, roadways and construction) are largest in summer and fall months, while secondary ammonium nitrate contributions (deriving from direct emissions of ammonia and oxides of nitrogen from agricultural activities and engine exhaust) are largest during winter months.