Most of the experimental researches conducted worldwide have revealed that an understanding of the processes governing air quality and climate change depends on improved measurement capabilities and the synergy of applied methods. A hybrid approach combining aspects of Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) method and the use of the chemical compound mass balance (CMB) receptor model for samples analized by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) will enhance the power of source apportionment precision. Quantitative ratios and mass balance of elemental composition of aerosol particles in different size fraction will provide a link between the mass spectra, molecular markers and optical properties, by determining the source in terms of emission mechanism (primary vs. secondary), source geography (local vs. regional vs. trans-national), and source/precursor class (natural vs. anthropogenic, modern vs. fossil carbon).
For more information, please contact the theme supervisor
S. Byčenkienė.