Evaluation of spatial patterns of fine particle sulfur and lead concentrations in New South Wales, Australia

Data from a network of 24 fine particle sampling sites in New South Wales, Australia, were analyzed with principal component analysis followed by a varimax orthogonal rotation to evaluate the spatial patterns of fine particle sulfur and lead concentrations. Lead and sulfur were chosen because of the distinct differences in the nature of their emission and behavior in the atmosphere. Lead is a primary emission coming from combustion of leaded motor vehicle fuels and industrial processes, whereas sulfate is principally a secondary particulate species that is formed in the atmosphere from primary SO2 emissions. Based on the results obtained, three groups of sites were identified for sulfur. Group A consists of 12 sites along the eastern plain. These sites fall into four subgroups characteristic of their locations, local situation or industrial activities. Group B consists of 6 rural or urban sites, and group C includes 4 inland sites. The land-sea breeze pattern seems to be a major influence of the spatial patterns observed for group A, and is less significant for groups B and C. Emissions from coal-burning power stations were identified as significant sources of the high sulfur episodes observed for group B and C sites. Both the coal-burning power stations and coastal industrial emissions play a role in defining the spatial pattern of fine particle sulfur in the region. For fine particle lead four groups of sites were identified consisting of 8, 3, 3 and 3 sites, respectively. They were defined by the prevailing wind directions, and configuration of receptor sites to the source areas.