| Summary: | Submicrometre aerosol particles (particulate matter, PM<sub>1</sub>) were collected in two Czech cities (Brno and Šlapanice) during week campaigns in winter and summer of 2009 and 2010. The aerosols were analysed for 14 elements and 12 water-soluble ions using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and ion chromatography techniques. The average PM<sub>1</sub> mass concentration was 14.4 and 20.4 µg m<sup>−3</sup> in Brno and Šlapanice, respectively. Most of the analysed elements and ions exhibit distinct seasonal variability with higher concentrations in winter in comparison to summer. The determined elements and ions together accounted for about 29% of total PM<sub>1</sub> mass, ranging between 16% and 44%. Ion species were the most abundant components in collected aerosols, accounting for 27.2% of mass of PM<sub>1</sub> aerosols, and elements accounted for 1.8% of mass of PM<sub>1</sub> aerosols. One-day backward trajectories were calculated using the Hysplit model to analyse air masses transported towards the sampling sites. The Pearson correlation coefficients between individual PM<sub>1</sub> components and PM<sub>1</sub> mass and air temperature were calculated. To identify the main aerosol sources, factor analysis was applied. Six factors were identified for each locality. The following sources of PM<sub>1</sub> particles were identified in Brno: a municipal incinerator, vehicle exhausts, secondary sulphate, a cement factory, industry and biomass burning. The identified sources in Šlapanice were as follows: a combustion source, coal combustion, a cement factory, a municipal incinerator, vehicle exhausts and industry.
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