| This study undertook air sampling, subsequent elemental and morphological analysis, and source apportionment receptor modeling for PM2.5 at four residential sites in Edmonton, Alberta over a five-month campaign (July to November 2004). The 24-hr average PM2.5 levels ranged from about 0.6 to 28mug/m3 with the majority of concentrations falling between 0.9 and 20mug/m3. PM2.5 samples from the two distinct sampling sites were analyzed by SEM-EDX to evaluate and compare chemical composition profiles. Elements detected at the two sites included: Si, Ca, Al, Mg, Fe, Na, K, Cl, S, Ti, Mn, Co, Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd, V, and Ba.; Four probable generic sources of PM2.5 that combined to account for 86% of the original data set were identified at the two sites by utilizing principal component analysis (PCA). These included: re-suspended crustal material (37 ∼ 44%), combustion (17 ∼ 25%), transportation (12 ∼ 14%), and regional sulphate (9 ∼ 13%). Comparison of PM2.5 profiles between the two sites suggested similar source profiles. Analysis of additional chemical species, including organic carbon, elemental carbon, and gas-phase pollutants, was recommended for future research to distinguish vehicular and industrial emissions for source apportionment. |
