In this study, ambient particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels were measured and their chemical and physical properties were characterized. Two sites in Gwangju were sampled once a month from December 2008 to November 2009. The annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were 26.9 μg/m3 and 46.3 μg/m3, respectively, in Nongseongdong and 26.1 μg/m3 and 44.8 μg/m3, respectively, in Duam-dong. PM2.5 levels were 1.8 times higher than the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) national ambient air quality standard for PM2.5 (15 μg/m3). The average PM2.5/PM10 ratio of 0.58 suggested that PM2.5 is a significant component of the ambient particle pollution. The order of concentration of metallic elements in PM2.5 and PM10 was Si > Al > Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu > Mn. Cd was not detected. The earth crustal enrichment factors for Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in PM2.5 were higher than those in PM10. When the earth crustal enrichment factors for Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were higher than 10, this suggested influence from anthropogenic sources. The soil contribution ratios for PM2.5 and PM10 were 11.3% and 16.4%, respectively, and were higher in the fall and winter. Anions (SO4−2, NO3−, and Cl−) comprise 28.7% of PM2.5 and 21.4% of PM10. The correlation coefficient of Zn-Fe, Mn-Cu, Fe-Cu and Fe-Mn in PM2.5 was high in the sampling sites, and metallic elements were primarily from anthropogenic sources such as fuel combustion and vehicle emissions.
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