A quantitative estimation of source contributions to the concentrations of atmospheric suspended particulate matter in urban, suburban, and industrial areas of Korea

The purpose of this study was to estimate the contributions of various sources to the suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the atmosphere of urban residential, suburban, and industrial areas of Korea. In this work, the techniques of principal component analysis (PCA) and stepwise multiple regression analysis were employed to identify and quantify the major sources which influence the ambient SPM. The mass contributions of the different sources were estimated by the calculation of absolute principal component scores (APCS), and a subsequent stepwise regression of the SPM concentrations using the APCS. The results indicated that the major classes of source which contribute to the ambient SPM in Korea are soil re-suspension, fuel combustion, motor vehicles, and secondary aerosols. The compilation of an extensive inventory of such sources is an essential task, so that a more detailed apportionment of their contributions to the SPM can be made in Korea. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.