# Chemical Characteristics and Source Identification of PM2.5 in Industrial Complexes, Korea

## TL;DR

This study analyzed PM2.5 pollution in Korean industrial areas to identify sources and chemical characteristics for better pollution control.

## Contribution

The study provides detailed chemical characterization and source apportionment of PM2.5 in industrial complexes using PMF.

## Key findings

- PM2.5 concentrations were highest in winter and spring, with an average of 18.63 ± 9.71 μg/m³.
- Secondary aerosols dominated, indicated by a weak correlation between elemental and organic carbon.
- PMF identified eight sources, with steel industry and secondary sulfate as the largest contributors.

## Abstract

The composition of air pollutants in industrial complexes differs from that of general urban areas, often containing more hazardous substances that pose significant health risks to both workers and residents nearby. In this study, PM2.5 and its 29 chemical components (eight ions, two carbon species, and 19 trace elements) were measured and analyzed at five monitoring sites adjacent to the Yeosu and Gwangyang industrial complexes from August 2020 to December 2024. Chemical characterization and source identification were conducted. The average PM2.5 concentration was 18.63 ± 9.71 μg/m3, with notably higher levels observed during winter and spring. A low correlation (R = 0.56) between elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) suggests a dominance of secondary aerosols. The charge balance analysis of [NH4+] with [SO42−], [NO3−], and [Cl−] showed slopes below the 1:1 line, indicating that NH4+ is capable of neutralizing these anions. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) identified eight contributing sources—biomass burning (10.4%), sea salt (11.8%), suspended particles (7.1%), industrial sources (4.6%), Asian dust (5.2%), steel industry (21.8%), secondary nitrate (16.4%), and secondary sulfate (22.7%). These findings provide valuable insights for the development of targeted mitigation strategies and the establishment of effective emission control policies in industrial regions.