Source Identification of Particulate Matter in a Semi-urban Area of Malaysia Using Multivariate Techniques

This study aims to determine the composition and sources of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM₁₀) in a semi-urban area. PM₁₀ samples were collected using a high volume sampler. Heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cu, Cd and Ni) and cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) were detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, while anions (SO₄ ²⁻, NO₃ ⁻, Cl⁻ and F⁻) were analysed using Ion Chromatography. Principle component analysis and multiple linear regressions were used to identify the source apportionment of PM₁₀. Results showed the average concentration of PM₁₀ was 29.5 ± 5.1 μg/m³. The heavy metals found were dominated by Fe, followed by Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn, Cd and Ni. Na⁺ was the dominant cation, followed by Ca²⁺, K⁺ and Mg²⁺, whereas SO₄ ²⁻ was the dominant anion, followed by NO₃ ⁻, Cl⁻ and F⁻. The main sources of PM₁₀ were the Earth’s crust/road dust, followed by vehicle emissions, industrial emissions/road activity, and construction/biomass burning.