Chemical Elements and their Source Apportionment of Fine Particulates (PM2.5) in Shanghai Atmosphere

Abstract

PM2.5 was collected at Shanghai urban and suburban sites from April 2005 to March 2006. ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrum) was used to investigate mass concentration of 17 elements (K, Na, Ca, Mg , As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Al, Fe, Mn, Ba, Sr, Ni, Se) in whole sample and soluble fraction of Shanghai PM2.5. Our results claimed total elements in Shanghai PM2.5 increased gradually from summer to winter and kept in a relative higher level in spring. Mass dosage of different elements in PM2.5 had a significant difference. Enrichment factor (EF) analysis results demonstrated that K, Na, Ca, Mg, AK Fe, Ba, Sr originated from natural resources, while As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd , Mn, M, Se emitted by anthropogenic resources. Rotated Component Matrix study testified that there exists a strong relationship among Ca, Fe, Mn, Ba, suggesting these elements originated from crustal resources. Anthropogenic polluted elements, such as Zn and Pb have a close relationship, indicating they have the same resource. As in Shanghai PM2.5 might have one single resource, it needs further study.