Seasonal and Diurnal Variation of Carbonaceous Components in PM0.1 Collected at Phnom Penh City, Cambodia

This study examines the seasonal and diurnal variations in ultrafine particles (PM0.1) and their carbonaceous components (OC and EC), collected at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Sampling was conducted over 14 consecutive days in September 2024 (during the wet season) and February 2025 (during the dry season). The average mass concentration of PM0.1 in February (8.5 μg/m3; range: 3.9–11.3 μg/m3) was approximately three times greater than that in September, driven by a corresponding increase in OC concentration. Conversely, average EC concentrations remained almost stable across both seasons, indicating consistent local emission sources. Total carbonaceous compounds (OC + EC) constitute approximately 50% of the PM0.1 mass in both seasons. Primary organic carbon (POC) concentration increases almost four times in February compared to September. Secondary organic carbon (SOC) concentrations were significantly elevated during February daytime (1.4 ± 1.0 μg/m3), indicating active photochemical formation. Backward trajectory analysis and satellite hotspot data revealed that September air masses originated from maritime sources without significant local burning influences, while February pollution events were likely influenced by short-range transboundary transport from biomass-burning areas across the Cambodia–Vietnam border.