Cluster and factor analysis methods in the study of data on concentrations of 210Pb, 210Bi, 210Po and a number of stable elements in atmospheric aerosols

We have performed cluster and factor analyses of results of determinations of the content of long-lived radon decay products (210Pb, 210Bi, 210Po) and 15 stable elements in atmospheric aerosols of the air near the surface. Using cluster analysis, we have isolated the test samples which are substantially different from the rest. Analysis of the factor loadings for a homogeneous group of filters has shown specificity in the behavior of the long-lived radon decay products and their strong intercollection. We have shown the absence of a number of technogenetic sources of nuclides of this group in the studied region. We note a correlation between the factor determining the variability of the long-lived radon decay products and the factor determining the content of stable lead and the mineral component