Identification of Sources of Fine Particulate Matter in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Fine particulate matter (PM) in Kandy, Sri Lanka—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major tourist destination—originates primarily from re-suspended soil, vehicular emissions, biomass burning, industrial sources, and aged sea salt. Researchers analyzed over 100 PM samples collected between 2012 and 2014 using a GENT stacked filter sampler and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified five key source factors, revealing significant contributions from anthropogenic activities alongside natural soil resuspension. Black carbon measurements further supported the dominance of combustion-related sources in urban PM pollution.

Seneviratne, S., Handagiripathira, L., Sanjeevani, S., Madusha, D., Waduge, V. A. A., Attanayake, T., Bandara, D., & Hopke, P. K. (2017). Identification of Sources of Fine Particulate Matter in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 17(2), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2016.03.0123