Metallic elements in PM2.5 in different functional areas of Korea: Concentrations and source identification

- PM2.5 and their metallic elements were measured at two different functional areas.
- Crustal elements were significantly higher in the residential area.
- Toxic metals were generally higher in the cement industrial area.
- Soil was identified as the main source of PM2.5 in the residential area.
- Cement industry was determined as the main source in cement industrial area.

Both PM2.5 mass concentration and its chemical composition are a great concern to human health. In this study, the concentrations of PM2.5 and their metallic elements were measured to identify the characteristics and to trace sources at two different functional areas, a residential and a cement industrial area. The average PM2.5 concentrations were not significantly different between the two sites, but their chemical compositions were clearly different. Crustal elements in PM2.5 were significantly higher in the residential area, while the concentrations of metals typically emitted from anthropogenic sources were generally higher in the cement industrial area. Crustal elements often increased during spring in the residential area due to the blustery weather with high wind speeds; however, most metallic elements were enhanced during winter in the cement industrial area. Principal component analysis was used to trace the sources. Soil re-suspension, traffic-related sources, and asphalt concrete production were identified as the main sources of PM2.5 in the residential area, while the cement industry, Ni-Cr plating industry, and other industrial activities were identified in the cement industrial area.