Application of Monte Carlo-assisted factor analysis to large sets of environmental pollution data

Abstract Target Transformation Factor Analysis (TTFA) has been applied to large data sets of trace element concentrations in lichens with the aim to resolve sources of environmental pollution. The concept of the principal factor model is used in order to account for local variances in the data set. Monte Carlo techniques are used to estimate the uncertainties in the obtained source profiles. It was found that the Monte Carlo method offers a new approach to the problem of the determination of the number of factors to be used in the analysis.