Characterisation of fine particulate matter level, content and sources of a kindergarden microenvironment in Belgrade city center

Abstract

In the present work, we investigated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals and ions of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 from 80 samples collected in the microenvironment of a kindergarten located in Belgrade city center during weekdays, from March to May 2010. The daily concentrations of PM2.5 were much higher than WHO guidance daily value. Results show similar factor profiles identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF). For indoor and outdoor environment, six principal components were identified by PCA, and six and seven factors were identified by PMF, respectively. Principal components from PCA were attributed to the following sources: combustion processes, traffic emission, coal/oil combustion, mix (stationary sources/resuspension), road salt and secondary aerosol. The resulting factors from PMF were identified as representing combustion processes, traffic emission, coal/oil combustion, soil dust, secondary aerosol and break wear. For outdoor environment, PMF identified one more source, attributed to road dust.