Integrated single particle-bulk chemical approach for the characterization of local and long range sources of particulate pollutants

The feasibility of an integrated approach based on multivariate statistical analysis and individual particle micro-analyses to characterize airborne particulate matter (PM) sampled at urban and regional background sites was tested. The proposed methodology encompasses data from ICP–AES, GC–MS and SEM–EDS analyses on ground and vertical profile PM samples. apportionment analysis of bulk chemical data allowed the identification and quantification of five distinct source categories for the fine and coarse particle size ranges. Results of quantitative phase analysis were included in the statistical investigation in order to correlate type and relevance of PM sources with relative abundance and texture of particles at ground level. Results were finally evaluated in the light of back-trajectory calculations and atmospheric vertical profile measurements. This approach allowed to discriminate between local from Saharan dust crustal contributions, and urban from regional secondary aerosol anthropogenic inputs.