Kirchsteiger, B. (2018). Source apportionment of particulate matter in Styria, Austria [Diploma Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://doi.org/10.34726/hss.2018.53848
In 2017 large regions of Austria were affected by elevated concentrations of particulate matter. To identify aerosol sources the chemical analysis of quartz fiber filters sampled at four sites in Styria was performed. Three sampling sites were situated in Graz, the fourth sampling site describes a rural area with clearly lower PM concentrations and is located in Vorau. Source apportionment was realized on basis of the macro-tracer approach, which was previously optimized for the region under observation. The major particle sources identified during the whole sampling period were secondary inorganic aerosol (NH4+, NO3- and SO42-), wood burning aerosol, traffic related aerosols (exhaust and abrasion). An alternating predominance of major sources (SIA and wood burning aerosol) can be observed at both sites. Sampling in Vorau took place from August 2016 to September 2017. Measurements describe the situation of ambient air quality of a rural area. The classification of sample pools was carried out to generate representative annual profiles, i.e. to account for elevated and lower concentrations. Secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA) are identified as major source of pollution. The predominance of SIA can be seen during the whole year and is followed by the contribution of wood burning aerosol and not defined organic material (including humic like substances). Investigations in Graz included samples collected from January until March 2017. The classification of pools was carried on the basis of the PM10 concentrations of the sampling site Graz Don Bosco. High polluted pools show a predominance of secondary inorganic aerosol followed by the contribution of wood burning aerosol. Major source of pools with slightly lower concentrations of PM mass are wood burning aerosol. Within the timeline of these pools a clear decreasing trend of wood burning aerosol can be observed. The contribution of secondary inorganic aerosol also decreases while an increasing trend of mineral dust can be seen.