Application of non-traditional stable isotopes in source tracing of airborne particulate matter

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a serious environmental pollution problem, which adversely affects the environment and human health. Source tracing of PM is an essential prerequisite for the air pollution control. Natural stable isotopes were used as novel tracers for PM in recent years. This review introduced the recent advances in the development of analytical methods of non-traditional stable isotopes (e.g., silicon, strontium, iron, zinc, copper, neodymium, lead, mercury, and iodine) and their source tracing applications of PM. The temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the non-traditional stable isotopic compositions in PM and the stable isotopic signatures of major emission sources were also summarized. Finally, we also discussed current challenges and perspectives in the future development of this research area.