Source apportionment of personal exposure of fine particulates among school communities in India

Source contribution estimates (SCE) of school community personal Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM) have been investigated. Reported relationships of personal RPM with Ambient-outdoors and indoor RPM levels have given the concept of defining the sources of personal exposure. Ambient-outdoors, indoors, soils and local road- traffic dusts were identified as main routes and principal sources of fine particulates at personal exposure levels. Fifteen subjects (05 from each of three schools) were selected from previous conducted study of interrelationships among classified atmospheric receptors in theses schools located in Bhilai-Durg, District Durg, India. Samples of RPM collected from identified receptors and sources were analyzed for selected chemical constituents and the chemical data has been utilized in preparation of source-receptor profiles. Chemical mass balance (CMB8) model has been used for source apportionment study. Major dominating source is ambient-outdoors in case of school located near to steel plant downwind. Indoors and road-traffic dusts have also played dominating role in case of school located near to National Highways. Indoor ventilation properties have played an important role is source contribution estimates.