Sources apportionment of fine and coarse aerosol in Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur using positive matrix factorization

Samples of fine and coarse fraction of airborne particulate matter were collected on weekly basis during the period from 2004 to 2008 at Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur. The samples were collected using a Gent stacked filter sampler in two fractions (< 2.5 µm, fine and 2.5–10 µm, coarse sizes). The samples were analyzed for their elemental composition and black carbon content by Particle Induced X–ray Emission (PIXE) and Smoke Stain Reflectometer, respectively. The data set was then analyzed by the factor analysis method, Positive Matrix Factorization technique in order to identify the possible sources of particulate matter and their contribution to the ambient particulate matter concentrations in the Klang Valley. Five factors from PMF solutions were found for elemental composition of fine and coarse particulate matter in the Klang Valley area. The sources identified as motor vehicles, industry, smoke/biomass burning, soil and road dust. The PMF results showed that motor vehicles were the main source for both fine and coarse particles of Klang Valley. In case of fine particles two stroke and motor vehicles all together contribute about 67.6% of the fine mass measured. The industry source contributes to about 16.7% and the rest 26% comprises emissions from smoke/biomass burning and soil source. In case of coarse particles, motor vehicles including two strokes contribute about 55.5% of the coarse mass while the industry source apportioned to be about 17.6%. Soil dust including road dust contributes about 26.8% to the coarse particle mass.