CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF INDIVIDUAL AEROSOL-PARTICLES IN CENTRAL SIBERIA

In order to characterize the Siberian aerosol, more than 120 samples f or single-particle analysis have been collected simultaneously at two sampling stations in central Siberia in 1 month's time during February and August 1992. For each sample, 400 particles have been analyzed wi th automated electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Hierarchical cluster analysis allowed us to identify nine major particle types. The differe nces in aerosol composition were found to be bigger between the winter and summer campaigns than between the two sampling locations. Nonhier archical cluster analysis combined with 36-h backward air mass traject ories permitted us to compare the abundances for the major particle ty pes for four different source sectors. Results showed significant, tho ugh not enormous, differences. Source identification by principal fact or analysis allowed the identification of several sources for the Sibe rian aerosol. Our results provide ample evidence for a long-suspected contribution to Arctic pollution by industrial complexes in the former Soviet Union.