Transport route-based cluster analysis of chemical fingerprints and source origins of marine fine particles (PM2.5) in South China Sea

The fingerprints and source origins of marine PM2.5 at two background islands in the South China Sea were clustered via trajectory analysis and positive matrix factorization. High PM2.5 concentrations at the Dongsha Islands occurred for the north routes, while Nansha Islands had similar PM2.5 concentrations amongst the transport routes. However, the chemical characteristics of PM2.5 varied with the transport routes. Secondary inorganic aerosols (NO3-, SO42-, and NH4+) were abundant in water-soluble ions which dominated PM2.5. Crustal metals were the abundant metals in PM2.5, while trace metals were primarily originated from man-made sources. Organic carbon was superior to elemental carbon, and high concentrations of levoglucosan and organic acids were observed for the north routes. Overall, marine PM2.5 at the Dongsha Islands was highly influenced by long-range transport of Asian continental outflows, while particulate air quality at the Nansha Islands was mainly governed by clean air parcels blown from the SCS. [Display omitted] •The transport routes of marine PM2.5 in the SCS were resolved by cluster analysis.•High PM2.5 concentrations occurred for north routes by Asian continental outflows.•The chemical characteristics of PM2.5 varied apparently with the transport routes.•Chemical indicators were used to identify the origins of marine PM2.5 in the SCS.•A superimposition phenomenon of LRT and local emissions was observed in the SCS.