Measurements of gas and aerosol for two weeks in northern China during the winter–spring period of 2000, 2001 and 2002

Intensive measurements of gas and aerosol for 2 weeks were carried out at Qingdao (gas and aerosol in 2000, 2001 and 2002), Fenghuangshan (gas and aerosol in 2000 and 2001), and Dalian (aerosol in 2002) in the winter–spring period. High SO₂ episodes were observed on 18 January 2000 at both Qingdao and Fenghuangshan. According to back trajectory calculations and analysis of gaseous species, high SO₂ episodes were caused by local pollution and transport.Nitrate, sulfate and ammonium were the major species in PM_2.5. Mass fractions of NO₃⁻, nss-SO₄²⁻ and NH₄⁺ at Qingdao in 2002 were 10%, 12% and 5.5% for PM_2.5, respectively, which were higher than that of nss-Ca²⁺ (1%). Chemical compositions observed at Dalian and Fenghuangshan were similar to those at Qingdao. The mass ratio of nss-SO₄²⁻/SO₂ at Qingdao in winter was low (< 1.2), indicating that sulfate was probably produced by the slow oxidation of SO₂ in the gas phase and/or was transported from outside of Qingdao in winter. The equivalent ratio of NH₄⁺ to nss-SO₄²⁻ was 1.39, suggesting that ammonium sulfate was one of the major chemical compositions in PM_2.5. The NO₃⁻/SO₄²⁻ ratio at Qingdao was higher than that at remote places in East Asia. Gas and aerosol data obtained at Fenghuangshan were similar to data at Qingdao, suggesting that emissions from small cities may have a great influence on pollution in northern China.     

Long-term characterization of major water-soluble inorganic ions in PM<Subscript>10</Subscript> in coastal site on the Japan Sea

PM₁₀ samples were collected over three years at Monzenmachi, the Japan Sea coast, the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa, Japan from January 17, 2001 to December 18, 2003, using a high volume air sampler with quartz filters. The concentrations of the water-soluble inorganic ions in PM₁₀ were determined with using ion chromatography. By analyzing the characteristics of these, the evidences were found that the Asian outflow had an obviously influence on the air quality at our study site. The results were as follows: the secondary pollutants SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺ were the primary water-soluble inorganic ions at our study site. The monthly mean concentrations of SO₄²⁻, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻ and Ca²⁺ have prominent peak in spring due to the strong influence of the Asian continent outflow—these according to backward air trajectory analysis, the maximum of which were 6.09 for nss-SO₄²⁻ in May, 2.87 for NO₃⁻ and 0.68 μg m⁻³ for nss-Ca²⁺ in April, respectively. Comparable to similar data reported from various points around East Asia, it had the characteristics of a polluted coastal area at our study site. The concentration of nss-Ca²⁺ in PM₁₀ drastically increased when the Asian dust invaded, the mean value during the Asian dust days(AD) was 0.86 μg m⁻³, about 4 times higher than those of normal days (NAD). Meanwhile, the mean concentrations of nss-SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺ in AD periods were higher than those in NAD periods which were 5.87, 1.76 and 1.82 μg m⁻³, respectively, it is due to the interaction between dust and secondary particles during the long-range transport of dust storms. Finally, according to the source apportionment with positive matrix factorization (PMF) method in this study, the major source profiles of PM₁₀ at our study site were categorized as (1) marine salt, (2) secondary sulfate, (3) secondary nitrate and (4) crustal source.     

Methodology of analysis associating survey results by the filter-pack method with those of precipitation- Acid-base balance on acid-related and alkali-related chemical species in urban ambient air and its influence on the acidification of precipitation -

Continuous weekly monitoring on the concentration of gases and aerosols in urban ambient air by a four-stage filter-pack method was carried out for 7 years in order to study not only the acid-base balance of acid-related (HNO₃, NO₃ ⁻, and non-sea-salt-(nss-)SO₄ ²⁻) and alkali-related (NH₃, NH₄ ⁺, and nss-Ca²⁺) chemical species but also its influence on the acidification of precipitation. The concentrations of the total nitrate (= NO₃⁻ + HNO₃) and nss-SO₄²⁻ showed a similar seasonal variation: high in the summer and low in the winter. The total nitrate and nss-SO₄²⁻ accounted for 0.43 and 0.57 of the acid-related species, respectively, on an equivalent basis. The total ammonium (= NH₃ + NH₄⁺) accounted for more than 0.9 of the alkali-related species, except for a springtime nss-Ca²⁺ episodic peak. The alkali-related species were generally overabundant compared with the acid-related species in the HNO₃-NO₃⁻-nss-SO₄²⁻-NH₃-NH₄⁺-nss-Ca²⁺ system. The alkali-rich distribution was especially pronounced in the winter, but the acid-related species was comparable to the alkali-related species in the summer, which was attributed to the larger H⁺ deposition by precipitation in the summer. This study can provide a methodology to associate survey results obtained by a filter-pack method with those of precipitation.     

Ambient air dry deposition and ionic species analysis by using various deposition collectors in Shalu, central Taiwan

This study describes the chemical composition of dry deposition collected at a highway traffic site in central Taiwan during daytime and nighttime periods by using a dry deposition plate (DDP) and water surface sampler (WSS). In addition, the characterization for mass and water-soluble species of total suspended particulate (TSP), both PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, was studied at the study site from August 22 to November 30, 2006. Dry deposition fluxes of ambient air particulates and inorganic species (Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻) were analyzed by Ion Chromatography (DIONEX-100).Results of the particulate dry deposition fluxes and mass concentrations are higher in the water surface sampler with respect to the dry deposition plate used in this study. Statistical results also showed the average dry deposition flux of the ionic species (Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻) obtained by the DDP and WSS displayed significant differences. Also, the average concentrations of Mg²⁺ and, Ca²⁺ were statistically the same at this study site.     

Trends in chemical composition of precipitation in Nanjing, China, during 1992–2003

In this study, variations of the chemical composition of precipitation in Nanjing, China, over a 12-year period (1992–2003) are presented. The average annual concentration of pH value was 5.15, ranging from 4.93 to 5.36, and there was no significant trend in the acidity of precipitation. SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻ and NO₃⁻ were the main anions, while Ca²⁺, NH₄⁺ and Mg²⁺ were the main cations. The concentrations of these main ions were very high compared to those reported in many other areas around the world. Most of the ions came from anthropogenic and crustal sources. High correlations were found among dust-derived cations Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺and K⁺, between Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻, between Cl⁻ and NH₄⁺ and between acidic anions and dust-derived cations, such as SO₄²⁻ and Ca²⁺, SO₄²⁻ and K⁺, Cl⁻ and Ca²⁺, Cl⁻ and K⁺, F⁻ and Mg²⁺ and F⁻ and K⁺. A significant decreasing trend was observed in concentration of SO₄²⁻ because of the abatement strategies for SO₂ emissions and energy policy change, while a significant increasing trend was found in the contribution of NO₃⁻ to acidification due to the rapidly growing number of motor vehicles. A significant decreasing trend was found in dust-derived cation Ca²⁺ due to more stringent controls of industrial dust emissions and rapid urbanization reducing the amount of open land, while the contribution of NH₄⁺ to neutralization increased relatively.     

Traffic aerosols (18 nm particle size 18 μm) source apportionment during the winter period

In November 2004–January 2005, a micro orifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI) and a Nanometer (nanometer)-MOUDI were used in the center of Taiwan to measure particle size (18 nm particle size 18 μm) distributions of atmospheric aerosols at a traffic site during the winter period. The average Mass in Media Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) of suspended particles is 0.99 μm this study. As for the ultra fine and nanometer (nanometer) particle mode, the composition order for these major ions species was SO₄²⁻ NH₄⁺ NO₃⁻ Mg²⁺ Ca²⁺ Na⁺ K⁺ Cl⁻. An ion Chromatography (DIONEX-100) was used to analyze major anion species, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻ and cation species, NH₄⁺Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺Mg²⁺. Their concentrations were also extracted from various particles size modes (nanometer (nanometer), ultra fine, fine and coarse). The results obtained in this study also indicated that the average portions for the major ionic species (SO₄²⁻, NH₄⁺ and Mg²⁺) in the nanometer (nanometer), ultra fine, fine and coarse particulate modes are about 34%, 37%, 63% and 30%, respectively at this traffic sampling site during the winter period.     

Chemical characteristics of wet precipitation at an urban site of Guangzhou, South China

The pH variation and chemical characteristics of rainwater were investigated from January 2006 to December 2006 at an urban site of Guangzhou, South China. The rainwater was typically acidic with a volume-weighted mean pH value of 4.49, which ranged from 3.52 to 6.28. The volume-weighted mean equivalent concentration of components followed the order: SO₄²⁻ > Ca²⁺ > Cl⁻ > NH₄⁺ > Na⁺ > NO₃⁻ > K⁺ > Mg²⁺ > F⁻, indicating that SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻ and NO₃⁻ were the main anions, while Ca²⁺ and NH₄⁺, were the main cations. Ca²⁺ and NH₄⁺ were major neutralization constituents of the precipitation. Furthermore, correlation analysis and principal component analysis method were performed to identify possible common sources of major ions. Sources of the major ions were assessed based on enrichment factor method.     

Chemical compositions of wet precipitation and anthropogenic influences at a developing urban site in southeastern China

A comprehensive study on the chemical compositions of wet precipitation was carried out from January 2004 to December 2004 in Jinhua, southeastern China's Zhejiang Province. All samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity and major ions (F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and NH₄⁺). The rainwater was typically acidic with a volume-weighted mean pH of 4.54, which ranged from 3.64 to 6.76. SO₄²⁻ and NO₃⁻ were the main anions, while NH₄⁺ and Ca²⁺ were the main cations. The concentrations of these major ions were generally higher compared to those reported in other parts of the world, but much lower than those in northern China.Wet deposition fluxes of major ions showed pronounced seasonal variations with maximum in spring and minimum in autumn. Significant correlations were found in soil-derived species among Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ and sea-salt species between Na⁺ and Cl⁻. Other relatively good correlations were also observed between Ca²⁺ and SO₄^2-, Mg²⁺ and SO₄^2-, Mg²⁺ and NO₃⁻, Mg²⁺ and Cl⁻. Principal component analysis was also performed on individual precipitation to find possible sources of the major ionic species. Varimax rotated four components accounting for 85.9% of the total variance, and were interpreted as acid and alkaline pollutants, sea spray and mixed source, soil and acid/neutralization. Calculation of enrichment factors for rainwater components relative to soil and seawater indicated that Ca²⁺ and K⁺ mainly originated from the terrestrial source, and SO₄^2- and NO₃⁻ were mostly attributed for the anthropogenic activities in the study area. In general, the results suggested that precipitation chemistry is strongly influenced by anthropogenic sources rather than natural and marine sources. The pollutants in rainwater were mainly derived from long distance transport, local industry and traffic sources.     

Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen, sulfur and chloride in Thessaloniki, Greece

In the present study, the wet and dry depositions of particulate NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻ and NH₄⁺ were measured using a wet/dry sampler as a surrogate surface. Gas phase compounds of nitrogen, sulfur and chloride (HNO₃, NH₃, SO₂ and HCl) were measured by an annular denuder system (ADS) equipped with a back up filter for the collection of particles with diameter ≤ 5 μm. Ambient concentrations of NO, NO₂ and SO₂ were also taken into consideration. Sampling was conducted at an urban site in the center of the city of Thessaloniki, northern Greece. The presence of the aerosol species was examined by cold/warm period and the possible compounds in dry deposits were also considered. Dry deposition fluxes were found to be well correlated with ambient particle concentrations in order to be used for the calculation of particle deposition velocity. Average particulate deposition velocities calculated were 0.36, 0.20, 0.20 and 0.10 cm s^− 1 for Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻ and NH₄⁺, respectively. Total dry deposition fluxes (gas and particles) were estimated at 3.24 kg ha^− 1 year^− 1 for chloride (HCl + p-Cl), 9.97 kg ha^− 1 year^− 1 for nitrogen oxidized (NO + NO₂ + HNO₃ + p-NO₃), 5.32 kg ha^− 1 year^− 1 for nitrogen reduced (NH₃ + p-NH₄) and 15.77 kg ha^− 1 year^− 1 for sulfur (SO₂ + p-SO₄). 70–90% total dry deposition was due to gaseous species deposition. The contribution of dry deposition to the total (wet + dry) was at the level of 60–70% for sulfur and nitrogen (oxidized and reduced), whereas dry chloride deposition contributed 35% to the total. The dry-to-wet deposition ratio of all the studied species was found to be significantly associated with the precipitation amount, with nitrogen species being better and higher correlated. Wet, dry and total depositions measured in Thessaloniki, were compared with other countries of Europe, US and Asia.     

Measurements of gas and aerosol for two weeks in northern China during the winter–spring period of 2000, 2001 and 2002

Intensive measurements of gas and aerosol for 2 weeks were carried out at Qingdao (gas and aerosol in 2000, 2001 and 2002), Fenghuangshan (gas and aerosol in 2000 and 2001), and Dalian (aerosol in 2002) in the winter–spring period. High SO₂ episodes were observed on 18 January 2000 at both Qingdao and Fenghuangshan. According to back trajectory calculations and analysis of gaseous species, high SO₂ episodes were caused by local pollution and transport.Nitrate, sulfate and ammonium were the major species in PM_2.5. Mass fractions of NO₃⁻, nss-SO₄²⁻ and NH₄⁺ at Qingdao in 2002 were 10%, 12% and 5.5% for PM_2.5, respectively, which were higher than that of nss-Ca²⁺ (1%). Chemical compositions observed at Dalian and Fenghuangshan were similar to those at Qingdao. The mass ratio of nss-SO₄²⁻/SO₂ at Qingdao in winter was low (< 1.2), indicating that sulfate was probably produced by the slow oxidation of SO₂ in the gas phase and/or was transported from outside of Qingdao in winter. The equivalent ratio of NH₄⁺ to nss-SO₄²⁻ was 1.39, suggesting that ammonium sulfate was one of the major chemical compositions in PM_2.5. The NO₃⁻/SO₄²⁻ ratio at Qingdao was higher than that at remote places in East Asia. Gas and aerosol data obtained at Fenghuangshan were similar to data at Qingdao, suggesting that emissions from small cities may have a great influence on pollution in northern China.     

Determination of inorganic ions and trace elements in total suspended particles at three urban zones in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area and one rural site

Inorganic ions and trace metals in total suspended particles were measured during the period 2006–2007 at four sites; three urban sites in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) and one nearby rural site in the state of Morelos. SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, Cl⁻ and NH₄⁺ ions were analyzed by ion chromatography; Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, and Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb and V by an atomic absorption spectrometer with a graphite furnace attachment. The results indicated that SO₄²⁻ was the most abundant ion. All trace elements except Mn and V showed statistically significant differences between sampling sites. Pearson's correlation applied to all data showed a high correlation among SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺, indicating a common anthropogenic origin. In addition, the correlation observed between Ca²⁺ and Al indicated a crustal origin, as supported by the enrichment factors. Over the total sampling period, significant differences in particles and trace metals were found between sites and meteorological seasons. To gain a better insight into the origin of trace metals and major inorganic ions, a Principal Component Analysis was applied to the results for six trace metal and eight inorganic ions.     

An Investigation into the Ionic Chemical Composition and Mixing State of Biomass Burning Particles Recorded During TRACE-P P3B Flight#10

In this study bulk airborne aerosol composition measured by the PILS-IC (integration time of 3 min 24 s) during TRACE-P P3B Flight 10 are used to investigate the ionic chemical composition and mixing state of biomass burning particles. A biomass burning plume, roughly 3–4 days old, moderately influenced by urban pollution aerosols recorded in the Philippine Sea is investigated. Focusing on the fine particle NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, K⁺, NH₄⁺, and water-soluble organics, the observed correlations and nearly 1-to-1 molar ratios between K⁺ and NO₃⁻ and between NH₄⁺ and (SO₄²⁻+ inferred Organics) suggest the presence of fine-mode KNO₃, (NH₄)₂SO₄, and NH₄(Organics) aerosols. Under the assumption that these ion pairs existed, and because KNO₃ is thermodynamically less favored than K₂SO₄ in a mixture of NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, K⁺, NH₄⁺, and Organic anions, the measurements suggest that aerosols could be composed of biomass burning particles (KNO₃) mixed to a large degree externally with the (NH₄)₂SO₄ aerosols. A “closed-mode” thermodynamic aerosol simulation predicts that a degree of external mixing (by SO₄²⁻ mass) of 60 to 100% is necessary to achieve the observed ionic associations in terms of the existence of KNO₃. However, the degree of external mixing is most likely larger than 90%, based on both the presence of KNO₃ and the amounts of NH₄NO₃. Calculations are also shown that the aerosol mixing state significantly impacts particle growth by water condensation/evaporation. In the case of P3B Flight #10, the internal mixture is generally more hygroscopic than the external mixture. This method for estimating particle mixing state from bulk aerosol data is less definitive than single particle analysis, but because the data are quantitative, it may provide a complementary method to single particle chemical analysis.     

Pollutant concentrations in fog and low cloud water at selected sites of the Czech Republic

In this paper, the basic composition of fog and low cloud water are presented, resulting from the analyses of water samples from 111 fog/cloud events. The samples were collected at five sites located in various regions of the Czech Republic. Two sampling sites are in mountainous regions and three sites represent various urban areas. The mountain stations are located in two regions of the Czech Republic with different industry types. At all the sites, active fog collectors were employed. In the water samples, the conductivity, acidity (pH), cations (H⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) and anions (F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻) were determined.A mean pH value of about 4.5 was obtained at mountain sites whereas the measurements in urban areas showed mean pH values from 4.9 to 6.4. The mean conductivity values in the samples from the two mountain stations were 137 and 191.5 μS cm⁻¹. The samples from urban sites showed mean values between 127.7 and 654.4 μS cm⁻¹. The maximum concentration means for the three dominant pollutants (expressed by the ratio mountain sites/urban sites) are 32.9/99.6 mg l⁻¹ for NO₃⁻, 32.5/192.9 mg l⁻¹ for SO₄²⁻ and 18.5/52.7 mg l⁻¹ for NH₄⁺. As expected, we found higher ion concentrations in the northern part of the Czech Republic where larger numbers of lignite-burning power plants, chemical factories and opencast lignite mines are located. A decrease in ion concentrations was observed at higher altitude sites, probably reflecting at least in part higher liquid water contents at these locations.     

Particle-size distribution of inorganic water soluble ions in the venezuelan savannah atmosphere during burning and nonburning periods

The results presented are the first complete analysis of inorganic soluble ions in a tropical savannah region. Atmospheric particles were collected in six rural Venezuelan savannah sites. Concentrations and size distribution of NO₃ ^–, SO₄ ^2-, CI^–, PO₄ ^3-, NH₄ ⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ were determined in samples collected with Hi Vol samplers equipped with five-stage cascade impactors. Concentrations were higher in the dry season, with a maximum during the burning periods. Using Na⁺ as a reference, the results show a deficit of Cl^– and, with the exception of Mg²⁺, an enrichment of all other ions with respect to marine aerosols. Significant variations were observed in particle-size distribution between different periods. Various pairs of ions present similar size distributions: SO₄ ^2- and NH₄ ⁺; Cl^– and Na⁺; PO₄ ^3- and K⁺; Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and NO₃ ^–; indicating that the ions were produced by the same source and/or were involved in similar atmospheric processes. Possible primary sources, the gas-to-particle atmospheric process, environmental implication of long-range transport of nutrients during dry seasons, etc., are discussed.     

Chemical composition and source apportionment of rainwater at Guiyang, SW China

This study systematically analyzed the concentrations of cations and anions and determined the pH in the rainwater at Guiyang from Oct. 2008 to Sep. 2009. The pH in the rainwater varied between 3.35 and 9.99 with a volume-weighted mean value of 4.23. The volume-weighted mean concentrations of anions followed the order SO₄ ^2->Cl^->F^->NO₃ ^-, whereas the volume-weighted mean concentrations of cations followed the order Ca²⁺>NH₄ ⁺>Na⁺>Mg²⁺>K⁺. This finding indicates that SO₄ ^2- was the main anion and that Ca²⁺ and NH₄ ⁺ were the main cations. Significant correlations between each pair of ions (SO₄ ^2-, NO₃ ^-, NH₄ ⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺) were observed, suggesting that CaSO₄, Ca(NO₃)₂, MgSO₄, Mg(NO₃)₂, NH₄NO₃, (NH₄)₂SO₄, and/or NH₄HSO₄ exist in the atmosphere at Guiyang. The soil-derived species (such as Ca²⁺) played an important role in the neutralization of the acidity in rainwater. The SO₄ ^2- and NO₃ ^- in the rainwater were mainly from anthropogenic sources, and their contributions accounted for 98.1 % and 94.7 %, respectively. NH₄ ⁺ was also most likely derived from anthropogenic sources, such as domestic and commercial sewage, and played an important role in the neutralization of the rainwater at Guiyang.     

A Long Term Study on Chemical Composition of Rainwater at Dayalbagh, a Suburban Site of Semiarid Region

Rainwater samples were collected for the monsoon period of 1988 and 1991–1996 at Dayalbagh (Agra), a suburban site situated in semiaridregion. The mean pH was 7.01 ±1.03 well above 5.6, which is the reference pH. Concentration of Ca²⁺ was observed to be highest followed by Mg²⁺, NH₄ ⁺,SO₄ ^2–, Cl^–,NO₃ ^–, Na⁺, F^– and K⁺. The ratios of SO₄ ^2– + NO₃ ^– andCa²⁺ + Mg²⁺ (TA/TC) have been considered as indicatorfor acidity. In the Agra region ratio of TA/TC is quite below 1.0 indicating alkaline nature of rainwater. The lowest value of 0.24 was observed in 1991 likely due to the lowest rain depth of the decade. The highest value of 0.54 was observed in 1996, a year with a large rain depth and increase in line (vehicular traffic) and area sources (population growth). Good correlation between Ca²⁺ and NO₃ ^–,Ca²⁺ and SO₄ ^2– andSO₄ ^2– and NO₃ ^–,indicates that wind carried dust and soil play a significant role in neutralization of precipitation acidity.     

Major ionic composition of precipitation in the Nam Co region, Central Tibetan Plateau

A total of 48 precipitation samples have been collected from individual precipitation events at the Nam Co Monitoring and Research Station for Multisphere Interactions (Nam Co Station, 30°47′N, 90°58′E; 4730 m a.s.l) located in the central Tibetan Plateau from August 2005 to August 2006. All samples were analyzed for major cations (NH₄⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) and anions (Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻), conductivity and pH. Precipitation pH values ranged from 6.03 to 7.38 with an average value of 6.59. The high pH is due to large inputs of crustal aerosols in the atmosphere, which contain a large fraction of carbonate. Ca²⁺ is the dominant cation in precipitation with an average value of 65.58 μeq L^− 1 (4.91–301.41 μeq L^− 1), accounting for 54% of the total cations in precipitation. HCO₃⁻ is the predominant anion, accounting for 62% of the total anions. When compared with data from a snow pit in the Zhadang Glacier 50 km away (5800 m a.s.l), major ion concentration in precipitation at the Nam Co Station is much higher due to local aerosol inputs. Correlation and empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis indicate that regional crustal aerosols and species from combustion emissions of residents are the major sources for these ions, lake salt aerosols from the Nam Co nearby and regional mineral aerosols from dry lake sediments are secondary sources, and sea salt contribution is the least due to the long distance transport.     

A summer and winter apportionment of particulate matter at urban and rural areas in northern France

The apportionment of atmospheric aerosols undertaken in Northern France during two sampling campaigns allowed to determine the influence of the atmospheric contribution of a heavy industrialized urban center on the particulate matter composition at a nearby rural site. The concentrations of major components and trace elements sampled by bulk filtration have been determined on June–July 2000 and January–February 2001, and the comparison of these two campaigns shows very well the importance of wind directions. The sources of 10 trace elements (Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Pb, Sr, Ti and Zn) and 7 major components (Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, NH₄⁺, Na, Mg and Ca) are better identified by studying their elemental contribution at each sampling site according to wind sectors. This kind of study shows that the concentrations recorded at the urban sampling site are always higher than those observed at the rural site as well during the summer campaign (about + 35%) as during the winter campaign (+ 90%), because of the predominance of the W–NW wind sector, corresponding to the influence of the urban and industrialized areas.     

Chemical and isotopic interpretation of major ion compositions from precipitation: a one-year temporal monitoring study in Wrocław,SW Poland

The chemical compositions (Na⁺, NH₄ ⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl^?, NO₂ ^?, NO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?, HCO₃ ^?) of wet precipitation and nitrogen isotope compositions δ¹⁵N(NH₄ ⁺) were studied from January to December 2010 in Wroc?aw (SW Poland). Results of a principle component analysis show that 82 % of the data variability can be explained by three main factors: 1) F1 (40 %) observed during vegetative season (electrical conductivity, HCO₃ ^?, NO₃ ^?, NO₂ ^?, NH₄ ⁺ and SO₄ ^2?), mainly controlling rainwater mineralization; 2) F2 (26 %) observed during vegetative and heating seasons (K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺), probably representing a combination of two processes: anthropogenic dusts and fertilizers application in agricultural fields, and 3) F3 (16 %) reported mainly during heating season (Na⁺ and Cl^?) probably indicating the influence of marine aerosols. Variations of δ¹⁵N(NH₄ ⁺) from ?11.5 to 18.5?‰ identify three main pathways for the formation of NH₄ ⁺: 1) equilibrium fractionation between NH₃ and NH₄ ⁺; 2) kinetic exchange between NH₃ and NH₄ ⁺; 3) NH₄ ⁺ exchange between atmospheric salts particles and precipitation. The coupled chemical/statistical analysis and δ¹⁵N(NH₄ ⁺) approach shows that while fossil fuels burning is the main source of NH₄ ⁺ in precipitation during the heating season, during the vegetative season NH₄ ⁺ originates from local sewage irrigation fields in Osobowice or agricultural fertilizers.     

The chemical composition of rainwater over Büyükçekmece Lake, Istanbul

In the present study, the precipitation near Büyükçekmece Lake, which is one of the important drinking water sources of Istanbul city, was studied during October 2001–July 2002. Seventy-nine bulk precipitation samples were collected at two sampling stations near the Lake (41°2′35″N, 28°35′25″E and 41°5′30″N, 28°37′7″E). The study comprised the determination of H⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, NH₄⁺, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Ba, Fe, Cu and Mn concentrations in bulk deposition rain event samples. The average volume-weighted pH value was found to be 4.81, which points out that the rain is slightly acidic. High sulfate concentrations were observed together with high H⁺ ion values. Sulfur emissions were the major cause for the observed high hydrogen ion levels. On the basis of factor analysis and correlation matrix analysis, it has been found that in this region, acid neutralization is brought about by calcium rather than the ammonium ion. The varimax rotated factor analysis grouped the variables into four factors, which are crustal, marine and two anthropogenic sources.