Quantitative assessment of the variability in chemical profiles from source apportionment analysis of PM10 and PM2.5 at different sites within a large metropolitan area

The study aims to assess the differences between chemical profiles of major anthropogenic and natural PM sources in two areas with different levels urbanization traffic density within same urban agglomeration. A site an background Athens Metropolitan Area have been selected for this comparison. For both sites, eight were identified, seven them being common sites (Mineral Dust, non-Exhaust Emissions, Exhaust Heavy Oil Combustion, Sulfates & Organics, Sea Salt Biomass Burning) one, site-specific (Nitrates Aged site). similarity source was quantified using statistical analysis tools, Pearson correlation (PC) Standardized Identity Distance (SID). According coefficients five out present high (PC > 0.8) Burning, Salt, Combustion), one presented moderate (0.8 PC 0.6) (Exhaust) low/no < (non-Exhaust, Nitrates/Aged Salt). that appear be more correlated are those not expected spatial variability because there either natural/secondary thus a regional character or emitted outside agglomeration transported sites. SID four (SID 1) salt, Sulfates, Combustion). Burning found yielded results from methodologies. careful examination profile revealed reason discrepancy. takes all species equally into account, while might disproportionally affected by few numbers very concentrations. It is suggested, based on findings work, combined use tools can lead users thorough evaluation profiles. This work is, best our knowledge, first time focused quantitative comparison inside indicators. • Comparison Two indicators used Source low varability consistent area. provide complementary information