Evaluation of PM-10 and Heavy Metal Characteristics in the Atmosphere of Jeollanam-do – Focusing on Areas Adjacent to Industrial Complexes

This study used monitoring data to analyze the PM-10 heavy metal concentrations in Jeollanam-do from 2022 to 2024. Samples were collected for 24 h over 5 d each month. The annual, seasonal, and site-specific variations in PM-10 and metal concentrations were analyzed, and the main sources and emission characteristics were identified through correlation and factor analyses. The average PM-10 concentration during the study period was 27±17 μg/m3, while the total heavy metal concentration was 1.99255±1.87673 g/m3, accounting for 7.2±5.0% of the PM-10 concentration. Fe, Ca, Al, and Mg were the dominant heavy metals, accounting for over 80% of the total, and the metals, arranged according to their concentrations, followed the order of Fe > Ca > Al > Mg > Mn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cr > As > Cd. The proportion of heavy metals in PM-10 remained stable over the years. In terms of seasons, the concentrations were the highest in spring, followed by winter, autumn, and then summer. The site-specific analysis showed that the total heavy-metal concentrations were the highest in Daebul, followed by Myodo-dong, Jung-dong, Yulchon-myeon, Sindae-ri, Yeocheon-dong, and then Ssangbong-dong. Factor analysis revealed three major sources: (1) soil-origin components (Fe, Ca, Mg, and Al), (2) vehicle emissions and coal combustion (Pb, Cd, and As), and (3) industrial pollution (Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni). Furthermore, the Fe concentrations varied by site, with Daebul and Myodo-dong strongly influenced by industrial activities, while other sites were more affected by natural factors.