Characterization and Source Apportionment of PM2.5 in Baengnyeong Island, Korea

PM2.5 have been paid special attention due to their adverse effects on human health. Identification of sources apportionment and chemical composition of PM2.5 is important. This study carried out analysis for characteristics of PM2.5 from 19 May to June, 2015 in Baengnyeong Island, Korea. Baengnyeong is a 45.83km2 island in the Yellow Sea and a representative background site, Northen-East Asia. PMF(positive matrix factorization) was applied to identify the possible sources and estimate their contributions. The results of the PMF modeling showed that seven sources were identified: secondary sulfate source, sea salt and biomass burning source, petroleum, motor vehicles, soil, coal combustion and secondary nitrate source.