Source apportionment of fine and coarse fraction particulate matter in Prince George and Kelowna, British Columbia.

This study examined ambient airborne fine and coarse fraction particulate matter collected from sampling locations in Prince George and Kelowna, BC, during the period October 2005 to September, 2006. The samples were analyzed for endotoxin concentration, and a chemical analysis was performed to determine elements present. Endotoxin concentration were found to be greatest at high temperatures and moderate values of relative humidity. Positive matrix factorization was performed on the Kelowna sample set. Six sources were identified for the fine fractions: wood burning, which contributed 38% to total modeled concentration, residential wood burning (27%), vehicle emissions (19%), soil (12%), agricultural dust (3.5%), and secondary particles (0.5%). Five coarse fraction sources were isolated: soil (representing 32% of modeled concentration), agricultural dust (29%), road salt (15%), residential wood burning (13%), and secondary particles (11%). --P. ii.