Source identification of water-insoluble single particulate matters in rain sequences

In this study, eight independent rainfall events were sampled sequentially from September 20, 2019 to June 15, 2020, in Bartin province located on the western Black Sea coast of Turkey. Manually collected volume-based sequential samples were analyzed for pH and water-soluble ions involving F-, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, PO43-, Na+, K+, NH4+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. Total trace and major elements (sum of soluble and insoluble fractions), and elemental and organic carbons (EC and OC) contents of the sequential samples were measured. Water-insoluble particulate matter in the sequential samples were characterized for their sizes, morphologies, and compositions by using Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and a particle size analyzer. Results of SEM-EDS, particle size distributions, chemical analyses, and the upper atmospheric back trajectories were used to apportion the sources of the water-insoluble single particulate matters in sequential rain samples. Using the proposed method, iron-steel facilities, and thermal power plants were identified as the significant regional sources. Urban traffic and natural emission were identified as the local sources.

Automated summary

This study sampled and analyzed a series of rainfall events in Bartin province, located on the western Black Sea coast of Turkey, to determine the sources of water-insoluble particulate matters. The results identified significant regional sources such as iron-steel facilities and thermal power plants, as well as local sources like urban traffic and natural emissions.