ABSTRACT
Particulate matter is one of the major carriers of hazardous pollutants that cause adverse effects on human health (Schauer et al., 2006; Viana et al., 2007), such as asthma induction and exacerbations, respiratory symptoms, and impaired lung function (Seagrave et al., 2006; Wichmann et al., 2009; Stanek et al., 2011); degradation on structures (Brimblecombe and Grossi, 2010); and visibility problems (Y. Lee and Sequeira, 2001; Cheung et al., 2005). In order to design active control strategies, we must identify the contributions of air pollutants from different sources and evaluate the source profile health impacts (Lall et al., 2011; Heal et al., 2012). Hence, implementation of protocols and regulations has to be made for emission
of PM2.5 and PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic size less than 2.5 µm and 10 µm) at industrial, urban, and rural locations with increasing focus on PM2.5 control. However, in order to design effective programs and strategies for reduction of PM concentration in the ambient air, it is necessary to have information about the sources and their respective contributions (B. Kim and Henry, 2000).
