Linear Source Apportionment Using Generalized Least Squares

Motivated by applications to water quality monitoring using fluorescence spectroscopy, we develop the source apportionment model for high dimensional profiles of dissolved organic matter (DOM). We describe simple methods to estimate the parameters of a linear source apportionment model, and show how the estimates are related to those of ordinary and generalized least squares. Using this least squares framework, we analyze the variability of the estimates, and we propose predictors for missing elements of a DOM profile. We demonstrate the practical utility of our results on fluorescence spectroscopy data collected from the Neuse River in North Carolina.