Source apportionment by receptor models in a study of Genova aerosols via streaker samplers and PIXE analysis

A two-stage streaker sampler was used to collect size-fractionated aerosol samples in Genova. Samples were analysed by Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). Hourly concentrations of elements from Na to Pb were determined, within a week, both in the fine (< 2.5 μm) and the coarse (2.5- 10 μm) fractions. The application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allowed the identification of the major local sources of pollution. Profiles were determined by using the SPUR (Source Profiles by Unique Ratios) method and were confirmed by modelling the measured aerosol concentrations as linear combination of the major sources. The application indicates that there is a high potential in the use of long term time-sequence streaker sampling and PIXE, for monitoring purposes and for establishing source profiles from receptor samples in a complex urban environment.