SOURCE IDENTIFICATION AND APPORTIONMENT FOR ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOL BY FACTOR ANALYSIS

The statistical basis for factor analysis is briefly discussed. A method combining common factor analysis with orthogonal transformation has been proposed and discussed in detail. The method has been tested with a data set consisting of 16 elemental concentrations in 40 samples collected at the Beijing meteorological tower, March 1980. Seven sources-soil+coal fly ash, sulfate, cement and lime dust, oil, plant burning, motor, and marine aerosol-corresponding to the first seven factors have been identified. The source profiles and their contributions have been obtained.