PMF analysis applied to bulk atmospheric deposition near a Municipal Solid Waste incinerator

The aim of this study is to estimate the relative contribution of a MSWI among the several sources of pollutants which affect the area. To do that metals and soluble ions have been determined in samples of atmospheric depositions collected monthly from 2006 to 2010 at sites affected by different plant emissions fallouts. Furthermore source apportionment study by PMF has been applied. Results show that generally fluxes monitored at the different sites during the same period are quite similar. PMF analysis identified six factors, three associated with natural sources, while three factors represent anthropogenic sources The anthropogenic sources contribution is similar at all sites, therefore the relative contribution of incinerator to the total pollution load seems to be negligible compared to the high background concentration.