Tracing the Source of Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere over Seoul using Isotope Analysis

LEE Ingyu

doi:10.13106/jwmap.2026.vol9.no2.151

Abstract

Purpose: Particulate matter (PM) has been reported to affect human health and disease, as well as a wide range of industries. Several studies have shown its impact on the distribution industry affecting consumption patterns and sales. Various techniques have been used to identify the sources of these PMs. Stable isotopes ratio (SIR) has been applied in various fields including chemistry, ecology, environment, and food. Especially in environmental science fields, they have been used to track sources of water or air pollution. This study was carried out to examine the origin/source of PM in the atmosphere over Seoul Metropolitan. Research design, data and methodology: PM samples were collected from five different locations in Seoul, and stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and nitrate in PM10 were analyzed using an elemental analyzer-isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Results: These isotope values were compared with the data reported in the literature. The isotope ratio calculated in this study for each target element was within the range of reported values. Conclusions: The results revealed that δ13C and δ15N values obtained in this study were very similar to those of PMs collected in Paris. Based on the results, we hypothesized that a major emission source of PMs in Seoul might be combustion of liquidized natural gas. In comparison to other studies conducted during periods of high PM concentrations, the observed results are consistent with the hypothesis that pollution is primarily domestic stagnation in transportation and heating activities.

keywords: Stable isotope ratio, Particulate matter, Emission source, Seoul.

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Vol.9 No.2

Tracing the Source of Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere over Seoul using Isotope Analysis

Abstract

웰빙융합연구