Source apportionment of PM2.5 and their associated metallic elements by positive matrix factorization at a traffic site in Constantine, Algeria

Chemical characterization of PM2.5 (major and trace elements) was carried out for a source apportionment study at traffic site in Constantine, Algeria, from March 2017 to 2018. For this purpose, several tools were used which PMF, CPF, PSCF, Spearman correlation matrix HYSPLIT back trajectories. The mean annual concentration the sampling 54.07 ± 28.81 µg/m3. This value is much higher than threshold recommended by WHO 10 μg/m3. Based on PMF modelling, five sources identified: sea salts (15.1%), industrial activities (18.9%), non-exhaust emissions (wear brakes, tires road surfaces) (24.2%), exhaust (mixed diesel gasoline engine exhaust) (15.8%) mineral dust (25.9%) as main metallic aerosols Constantine. Our results revealed that anthropogenic (traffic industry) contributed 59% all emissions, while natural (mineral salt) accounted 41%. Traffic-related are major contributor (40%) with being dominant source. As leading sources, their control utmost importance improving air quality. concentrations tend increase appreciably temperature wind speed relative humidity less 60%. contribution vehicular affected mainly intensity direction. Relative humidity, determining parameters dust. There seasonal variations contributions PMF-derived sources. Summer undergoes significant three factors: salts, Spring emissions. Winter experiences drastic emission factor. Autumn least season salts. It rather