@article{fdi:010095788,
  title = {{T}oolbox for accurate estimation and validation of {P}ositive {M}atrix {F}actorization solutions in {P}articulate {M}atter source apportionment},
  author = {{D}inh, {V}. {N}. {T}. and {U}zu, {G}a{\¨e}lle and {D}ominutti, {P}amela and {S}auvage, {S}. and {E}lazzouzi, {R}. and {D}arfeuil, {S}ophie and {V}oiron, {C}{\'e}line and {S}amak{\'e}, {A}. and {Z}hang, {S}. {W}. and {S}ocquet, {S}. and {F}avez, {O}. and {J}affrezo, {J}. {L}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{P}ositive matrix factorization ({PMF}) is the most commonly used approach for particulate matter source apportionment; however, the implementation steps of the model require considerable user experience. {M}ost studies apply {PMF} according to the recommendations of the {E}nvironmental {P}rotection {A}gency and the {E}uropean {C}ommission, while relatively few studies focus on further developing the {PMF} methodology. {T}his study aims to develop a systematic method that reduces some subjective aspects when performing a {PMF} study, providing recommendations and tools for its application and validation. {A} total of 13 targeted tests were conducted to address key sources of subjectivity in {PMF}, categorized into three critical aspects: preparation of the input matrix, selecting the number of sources, and validation of the {PMF} solution. {T}he results of the first step highlighted that using a single source tracer reduces the tracer's dispersion into other sources, leading to more accurate results. {T}he second stage tests suggested that the selection of a source tracer should be based on low uncertainty and specific temporal evolution, in order to facilitate the determination of a new source without compromising the {PMF} solution. {F}inally, the validation step was set up as an advanced comparison of the {PMF}-derived source profiles with those in the literature, including {SPECIEUROPE} database, using the ratio of chemicals and distance metrics. {A}ll outcomes of this study are compiled into a {P}ython package providing essential tools to support the work from {PMF} implementation to solution validation, leading to less subjective solutions and more rigorous and reliable source apportionment.},
  keywords = {{FRANCE} ; {ARREST} ; {AILLY} ; {GRENOBLE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{A}tmospheric {M}easurement {T}echniques},
  volume = {18},
  numero = {22},
  pages = {6817--6833},
  ISSN = {1867-1381},
  year = {2025},
  DOI = {10.5194/amt-18-6817-2025},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010095788},
}