Statistical methods to apportion the sources of particles in the industrial region of Estarreja—Portugal

Factor analysis models are very attractive for source apportionment and have been widely applied. They do not require a priori knowledge of the number and composition of the sources, and they can actually uncover previously unsuspected sources and estimate the composition of the sources using only ambient monitoring data.Aerosol particles were collected from an industrial atmosphere and analyses for water soluble and carbon components. Principal components analysis permitted the evaluation of the contribution due to industries, soil fraction, secondary pollutants and sea spray particles of the total suspended aerosol mass.It can be concluded that the atmospheric aerosol in the Industrial Area of Estarreja (Portugal) contains a relative important fraction that is water soluble. Ammonium sulphates and nitrates are the main components of this fraction. Carbon compounds constitute about 30% of the total aerosol mass. These compounds are mainly formed by organic matter emitted by the industries. Due to the mutagenic and carcinogenic characteristics of some organic compounds processed in the Industrial Area (vinyl chloride, benzene, aniline, etc.), the concern exists of negative human health effects as a result of prolonged inhalation. Soil compounds is another important fraction of the aerosol mass, mainly in summer with dry, sunny and windy weather conditions.A more conclusive idea of the sources and effects of aerosol matter can only be obtained with the specific analysis of organic compounds and the determination of trace elements, characteristic of each particular source.