Source Identification of Particulate Matter in a Semi-urban Area of Malaysia Using Multivariate Techniques

This study aims to determine the composition and sources of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM10) in a semi-urban area. PM10 samples were collected using a high volume sampler. Heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cu, Cd and Ni) and cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) were detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, while anions (SO42−, NO3−, Cl− and F−) were analysed using Ion Chromatography. Principle component analysis and multiple linear regressions were used to identify the source apportionment of PM10. Results showed the average concentration of PM10 was 29.5 ± 5.1 μg/m3. The heavy metals found were dominated by Fe, followed by Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn, Cd and Ni. Na+ was the dominant cation, followed by Ca2+, K+ and Mg2+, whereas SO42− was the dominant anion, followed by NO3−, Cl− and F−. The main sources of PM10 were the Earth’s crust/road dust, followed by vehicle emissions, industrial emissions/road activity, and construction/biomass burning.