Chemical Characteristics and Source Apportionment of PM2.5 in Seoul Metropolitan Area in 2010

This study is aimed to estimate the PM2.5 source apportionment at Seoul intensive monitoring site located in Seoul metropolitan area. Time-resolved chemical compositions of PM2.5 are measured in real time using ambient ion monitor, semi-continuous carbon monitor, and on-line XRF at Seoul intensive monitoring site in 2010. The mass concentration of PM2.5 was simultaneously monitored with eight ionic species (SO42-, NO3-, C-l-, NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+), two carbonaceous species (OC and EC), and fourteen elements (Si, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Pb) in 1-hr interval. The data sets were then analyzed using EPA PMF version 3 to identify sources and contributions to PM2.5 mass. EPA PMF modeling identified eight PM2.5 sources, including soil dust, secondary sulfate, secondary nitrate, motor vehicle, coal combustion, oil combustion, biomass burning, and municipal incineration. This study found that the average PM2.5 mass was apportioned to anthropogenic sources such as motor vehicle, fuel combustion, and biomass burning (61%) and secondary aerosols, including sulfate and nitrate (38%).