Atmospheric deposition of major and trace elements in Amman, Jordan

Wet and dry deposition samples were collected in the capital of Jordan, Amman. Concentrations of Al, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, Zn, Fe, Sr, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃ ⁻ and SO₄ ²⁻, along with pH were determined in collected samples. Mean trace metal concentrations were similar or less than those reported for other urban regions worldwide, while concentrations of Ca²⁺ and SO₄ ²⁻ were among the highest. High Ca²⁺ concentrations were attributed to the calcareous nature of the local soil and to the influence of the Saharan dust. However, high SO₄ ²⁻ concentrations were attributed to the influence of both anthropogenic and natural sources. Except for Cl⁻, NO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻ and Cu, monthly dry deposition fluxes of all measured species were higher than wet deposition fluxes. The annual wet deposition fluxes of trace metals were much lower than those reported for other urban areas worldwide.     

Atmospheric concentrations of nitric acid, sulfur dioxide, particulate nitrate and particulate sulfate, and estimation of their dry deposition on the urban- and mountain-facing sides of Mt. Gokurakuji, Western Japan

Atmospheric concentrations of nitric acid (HNO₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), particulate nitrate and particulate sulfate on the urban- and mountain-facing sides of Mt. Gokurakuji were measured from November 2002 to October 2003, in order to evaluate the effects of anthropogenic activity on air quality and dry deposited nitrate and sulfate on the surfaces of pine foliage. The results showed that HNO₃, SO₂ and concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) on the urban-facing side (1.54, 2.48 and 0.65 μg m⁻³, respectively) than the mountain-facing side (0.67, 1.19 and 0.37 μg m⁻³, respectively), while concentrations did not differ significantly between the two sides (urban-facing: 2.80 μg m⁻³; mountain−facing: 2.05 μg m⁻³). Indirect estimates of dry deposition rates of nitrate and sulfate to the surfaces of pine foliage based on the measured concentrations approximately agreed with the measured values determined by the foliar rinsing technique in a previous study. It was found that HNO₃ was the major source (approximately 80%) of dry deposited nitrate on pine foliage, while the contribution from was about equal to that from SO₂. In conclusion, HNO₃ and SO₂ appear to be dominant species reflecting higher dry deposition rates of nitrate and sulfate on the urban-facing side compared to the mountain-facing side of Mt. Gokurakuji.     

Monitoring of Criteria Air Pollutants in Bursa, Turkey

The concentrations of criteria air pollutants such as CO, NO_x (NO + NO₂), SO₂ and PM were measured in the period of May 2001 and April 2003 in the city of Bursa, Turkey. The average concentrations for this period were 1115±1600 μg/m³, 29±50 μg/m³, 51±24 μg/m³, 79±65 μg/m³, 40±35 μg/m³, 98±220 μg/m³, for CO, NO, NO₂, NO_x, SO₂ and PM, respectively. Temporal changes in concentrations were analyzed using meteorological factors. Correlations among pollutant concentrations and meteorological parameters showed weak relations nearly in all data. Lower concentrations were observed in the summer months while higher concentrations were measured in the winter months. The increase in winter concentrations was probably due to residential heating. Pollutants were associated with each other in order to have information about their origin. NO_x/SO₂ ratio was also examined to bring out the source origin contributing on air pollution (i.e., traffic or stationary).     

Suspended Particulate Matter Distribution in Rural-Industrial Satna and in Urban-Industrial South Delhi

An air quality sampling program was designed and implemented to collect the baseline concentrations of respirable suspended particulates (RSP = PM₁₀), non-respirable suspended particulates (NRSP) and fine suspended particulates (FSP = PM_2.5). Over a three-week period, a 24-h average concentrations were calculated from the samples collected at an industrial site in Southern Delhi and compared to datasets collected in Satna by Envirotech Limited, Okhla, Delhi in order to establish the characteristic difference in emission patterns. PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and total suspended particulates (TSP) concentrations at Satna were 20.5 ± 6.0, 102.1 ± 41.1, and 387.6 ± 222.4 μg m⁻³ and at Delhi were 126.7 ± 28.6, 268.6 ± 39.1, and 687.7 ± 117.4 μg m⁻³. Values at Delhi were well above the standard limit for 24-h PM_2.5 United States National Ambient Air Quality Standards (USNAAQS; 65 μg m⁻³), while values at Satna were under the standard limit. Results were compared with various worldwide studies. These comparisons suggest an immediate need for the promulgation of new PM_2.5 standards. The position of PM₁₀ in Delhi is drastic and needs an immediate attention. PM₁₀ levels at Delhi were also well above the standard limit for 24-h PM₁₀ National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS; 150 μg m⁻³), while levels at Satna remained under the standard limit. PM_2.5/PM₁₀ values were also calculated to determine PM_2.5 contribution. At Satna, PM_2.5 contribution to PM₁₀ was only 20% compared to 47% in Delhi. TSP values at Delhi were well above, while TSP values at Satna were under, the standard limit for 24-h TSP NAAQS (500 μg m⁻³). At Satna, the PM₁₀ contribution to TSP was only 26% compared to 39% in Delhi. The correlation between PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and TSP were also calculated in order to gain an insight to their sources. Both in Satna and in Delhi, none of the sources was dominant a varied pattern of emissions was obtained, showing the presence of heterogeneous emission density and that nonrespirable suspended particulate (NRSP) formed the greatest part of the particulate load.     

Interactions of Atmospheric Deposition with Coniferous Canopies in Estonia

Throughfall and open field bulk precipitation were measured at three coniferous sites during 1995–2002 in the framework of ICP Integrated Monitoring and at five coniferous sites during 1996–2002 in the framework of ICP Forests (Level II). The coniferous canopies acted as a sink for nitrate and ammonium and as a source for base cations: Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺. The estimated share of SO₄–S dry deposition from total deposition was 1.5–4 times higher for dormant period compared to growing period. During the study period average annual throughfall and bulk deposition of SO₄–S decreased significantly, 2.8 and 2.3 times, respectively. Throughfall enrichment with base cations increased in the order Mg < Na < Ca < K. Using Na as a tracer ion, average dry deposition and canopy leaching were calculated. Leaching was the dominant process for TF enrichment by potassium. Leaching of base cations occurred during growing as well as dormant period. The calculated internal flux of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ varied in the range of 0.6–2.0 and 0.6–1.2 kg ha⁻¹ per year in spruce and pine stands, respectively. The internal circulation of K⁺ was significantly higher (8.9–10.9 kg ha⁻¹ per year) in spruce stands than in pine stands (2.7–4.4 kg ha⁻¹ per year).     

Monitoring of Fogwater Chemistry in the Gulf Coast Urban Industrial Corridor: Baton Rouge (Louisiana)

Seventeen fog events were sampled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana during 2002–2004 as part of characterizing wet deposition by fogwater in the heavily industrialized corridor along the Louisiana Gulf Coast in the United States. These samples were analyzed for chemical characteristics such as pH, conductivity, total organic and inorganic carbon, total metals and the principal ion concentrations. The dominant ionic species in all samples were NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻. The pH of the fogwater sampled had a mean value of 6.7 with two cases of acidic pH of 4.7. Rainwater and fogwater pH were similar in this region. The acidity of fogwater was a result of NO₃⁻ but partly offset by high NH₄⁺. The measured gaseous SO₂ accounted for a small percentage of the observed sulfate concentration, indicating additional gas-to-particle conversion of SO₂ to sulfate in fogwater. The gaseous NO_x accounted for most of the dissolved nitrate and nitrite concentration in fogwater. The high chloride concentration was attributable to the degradation of chlorinated organics in the atmosphere. The metal composition was traced directly to soil-derived aerosol precursors in the air. The major metals observed in fogwater were Na, K, Ca, Fe, Al, Mg and Zn. Of these Na, K, Ca and Mg were predominant with mean concentrations > 100 μM. Al, Fe and Zn were present in the samples, at mean concentrations < 100 μM. Small concentrations of Mn (7.8 μM), Cu (2 μM), Pb (0.07 μM) and As (0.32 μM) were also observed in the fogwaters, and these were shown to result from particulates (PM_2.5) in the atmosphere. The contribution to both ions and metals from the marine sources in the Louisiana Gulf Coast was minimal. The concentrations of all principal ionic species and metals in fogwater were 1–2 orders of magnitude larger than in rainwater. Several linear alkane organic compounds were observed in the fogwater, representing the contributions from petroleum products at concentrations far exceeding their aqueous solubility. A pesticide (atrazine) was also observed in fogwater, representing the contribution from the agricultural activities nearby.     

Examination of reactive phosphate fluxes in an eutrophicated coastal area

Reactive phosphate (RP) fluxes over sediment in an eutrophic bay were obtained under different conditions. The results were assessed together with water column, sediment solid, and liquid-phase parameters. The RP fluxes ranged from 0 to 1,300 μgatP × m^-2d^-1 day depending on the sediment site and other variables. At stations with relatively high net RP fluxes, the clay fraction was >3% and disproportionate with salinity, which explained why the RP effluxes decreased by inhibition of the organic coating on particulate matter with increased SO₄ ⁻² ions and good competition of RP anions with SO₄ ⁻². The RP flux in Fe/RP ratios >2 in surface water decreased to approach a minimum asymptotically, which was thus defined with a hyperbolic curve to determine the maximum rate of the RP flux (J_RP). The [RP_porewater]_initial/[RP_ambient] _initial ratios were suggested to govern the net RP flux regionally, so the critical value where the RP flux turns positive could indicate eutrophication with Chl-a values <500 μg/g. So, this study investigated the phosphate fluxes between sediment and water column and determined the factors influencing the RP fluxes in the inner bay of Izmir.     

Study of urban atmospheric pollution in Navarre (Northern Spain)

An ambient air quality study was undertaken in two cities (Pamplona and Alsasua) of the Province of Navarre in northern Spain from July 2001 to June 2004. The data were obtained from two urban monitoring sites. At both monitoring sites, ambient levels of ozone, NO_x, and SO₂ were measured. Simultaneously with levels of PM₁₀ measured at Alsasua (using a laser particle counter), PM₁₀ levels were also determined at Pamplona (using a beta attenuation monitor). Mean annual PM₁₀ concentrations in Pamplona and Alsasua reached 30 and 28 μg m⁻³, respectively. These concentrations are typical for urban background sites in Northern Spain. By using meteorological information and back trajectories, it was found that the number of exceedances of the daily PM₁₀ limit as well as the PM₁₀ temporal variation was highly influenced by air masses from North Africa. Although North African transport was observed on only 9% of the days, it contributed the highest observed PM₁₀ levels. Transport from the Atlantic Ocean was observed on 68% of the days; transport from Europe on 13%; low transport and local influences on 7%; and transport from the Mediterranean region on 3% of the days. The mean O₃ concentrations were 45 and 55 μg m⁻³ in Pamplona and Alsasua, respectively, which were above the values reported for the main Spanish cities. The mean NO and NO₂ levels were very similar in both sites (12 and 26 μg m⁻³, respectively). Mean SO₂ levels were 8 μg m⁻³ in Pamplona and 5 μg m⁻³ in Alsasua. Hourly levels of PM₁₀, NO and NO₂ showed similar variations with the typically two coincident maximums during traffic rush hours demonstrating a major anthropogenic origin of PM₁₀, in spite of the sporadic dust outbreaks.     

Deposition in boreal forests in relation to type, size, number and placement of collectors

Open precipitation and throughfall was collected at a Norway spruce stand in Finland using funnel-type collectors and at a black spruce stand in Canada using trough-type collectors. The presence or absence of a rim on the funnel, funnel diameter (9, 14 and 20 cm) and length of sampling period (1, 2 and 4 weeks) on monthly values were evaluated at the Norway spruce stand, and the number of collectors required for defined levels of accuracy and precision of throughfall loads to be reached and the influence of the spatial arrangement of collectors on solute concentrations was studied at both stands. The presence of a rim had no significant effect on open precipitation and throughfall amounts, but did on throughfall DOC, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ion loads. Deposition loads increased with decreasing funnel diameter; for open precipitation, this was due to increased catch efficiency while for throughfall the increase was attributed to canopy interaction and leaching of litter trapped in the collectors. Calculated monthly H⁺ loads decreased and those for all other constituents increased with collection period length. Using 15 collectors at the Norway spruce stand would allow throughfall loads to be determined to within 20% of the true mean weekly value with a confidence level of 95% for most solute, but not for NH₄ ⁺–N, NO₃ ⁻–N, Mg²⁺ and SO₄ ²⁻-S. Using 15 trough collectors, the same confidence level at the more heterogeneous black spruce stand would only be achieved for H⁺, Cl⁻, DOC and SO₄ ²⁻-S loads. In both stands, using either random or systematic placements of throughfall collectors gave similar results.     

Chemical Characteristics of Rain Water at an Urban Site of South Western Turkey

In this study, chemical composition of the rain water in Mugla was investigated from February to April 2002. Rain water samples were obtained from Mugla, a small city in south western Turkey. The Yatagan Power Plant is located 30 km northwest of Mugla city. The values of pH and the concentrations of major ions (Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, SO₄ ²⁻, NO₃ ⁻, NH₄ ⁺) in the rainwater samples were analyzed. The pH varied from 4.5 to 7.7 with an average of 6.9 which was in alkaline range considering 5.6 as the neutral pH of cloud water with atmospheric CO₂ equilibrium. In the total 30 rain events, only two events were observed in acidic range (< 5.6) which occurred after continuous rains. The equivalent concentration of components followed the order: Ca²⁺ > SO₄ ²⁻ > NH₄ ⁺ > NO₃ ⁻ > Na⁺ > K⁺ > H⁺. The volume-weighted mean (VWM) of the measured ionic sum is 371.62 μeq/l. The ratio of between sum cations and sum anions (∑cations /∑ anions) is 1.52 μeq/l. The alkaline components (Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) contribute 52%, NH₄ ⁺ 8%, whereas, the contribution from the acidic components is relatively small (40%). The low concentrations of H⁺ found in rainwater samples from Mugla suggest that an important portion of H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ have been neutralized by alkaline particles in the atmosphere. The dust-rich local and surrounding limestone environment might have caused the high concentration of Ca²⁺ in Mugla area. The relatively high concentration of NH₄ ⁺ observed at Mugla is suspected to be due to surrounding agricultural. The results obtained in this study are compared with those other studies conducted at various places in the world.     

Chemistry of fogs at Agra, India: Influence of soil particulates and atmospheric gases

Fog water samples were collected in the months of December and January during 1998–2000 at Agra, India. The samples were analyzed for pH, major anions (F⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, NO₃ ⁻, HCOO⁻ and CH₃COO⁻), major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺) and NH₄ ⁺ using ion chromatography, ICP-AES and spectrophotometer methods, respectively. pH of fog water samples ranged between 7.0 and 7.6 with a volume weighted mean of 7.2, indicating its alkaline characteristic. NH₄ ⁺ contributed 40%, SO₄ ²⁻ and NO₃ ⁻ accounted for 28%, while Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ accounted for 16% of the total ionic concentration. The ratios of Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ and Na⁺/Ca²⁺ in fog water indicates that 50–75% of fog water samples correspond to the respective ratios in local soil. Significant correlation between Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ suggests their soil origin. The order of neutralization, NH₄ ⁺ (1.4) > Ca²⁺ (0.28) > Mg²⁺ (0.12), indicates that NH₄ ⁺ is the major neutralizing species. Fog water and atmospheric alkalinity were also computed and were found to be 873 and 903 neqm⁻³, respectively. Both of these values are higher than values reported from temperate sites and thus indicate that at the present level of pollutants, there is no risk of acid fog problem. The study also shows that the alkaline nature of fog water is due to dissolution of ammonia gas and partly due to interaction of fog water with soil derived aerosols.     

Ambient air quality of Lucknow City (India) during use of fireworks on Diwali Festival

The present study deals with the effect of fireworks on ambient air quality during Diwali Festival in Lucknow City. In this study, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO _x and 10 trace metals associated with PM₁₀ were estimated at four representative locations, during day and night times for Pre Diwali (day before Diwali) and Diwali day. On Diwali day 24 h average concentration of PM₁₀, SO₂, and NO _x was found to be 753.3, 139.1, and 107.3 μg m⁻³, respectively, and these concentrations were found to be higher at 2.49 and 5.67 times for PM₁₀, 1.95 and 6.59 times for SO₂ and 1.79 and 2.69 for NO _x , when compared with the respective concentration of Pre Diwali and normal day, respectively. On Diwali day, 24 h values for PM₁₀, SO₂, and NO _x were found to be higher than prescribed limit of National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), and exceptionally high (7.53 times) for PM₁₀. On Diwali night (12 h) mean level of PM₁₀, SO₂ and NO _x was 1,206.2, 205.4 and 149.0 μg m⁻³, respectively, which was 4.02, 2.82 and 2.27 times higher than their respective daytime concentrations and showed strong correlations (p < 0.01) with each other. The 24 h mean concentration of metals associated with PM₁₀ was found to be in the order of Ca (3,169.44) > Fe (747.23) > Zn (542.62) > Cu (454.03), > Pb (307.54) > Mn (83.90) > Co (78.69) > Cr (42.10) > Ni (41.47) > Cd (34.69) in ng m⁻³ and all these values were found to be higher than the Pre Diwali (except Fe) and normal day. The metal concentrations on Diwali day were found to be significantly different than normal day (except Fe & Cu). The concentrations of Co, Ni, Cr and Cd on Diwali night were found to be significantly higher than daytime concentrations for Pre Diwali (control). The inter correlation of metals between Ca with Pb, Zn with Ni and Cr, Cu with Co, Co with Mn, Ni with Cd, Mn with Cd, Ni with Cd and Cr, and Cr with Cd showed significant relation either at p < 0.05 or P < 0.01 levels, which indicated that their sources were the same. The metals Cu, Co, Ni, Cr and Cd showed significant (p < 0.01) association with PM₁₀. These results indicate that fireworks during Diwali festival affected the ambient air quality adversely due to emission and accumulation of PM₁₀, SO₂, NO _x and trace metals. ITRC Communication Number 2538     

Air Pollution and Heat Exposure Study in the Workplace in a Glass Manufacturing Unit in India

Air pollution in the workplace environment due to industrial operation have been found to cause serious occupational health hazard. Similarly, heat stress is still most neglected occupational hazard in the tropical and subtropical countries like India. The hot climate augments the heat exposure close to sources like furnaces. In this study an attempt is made to assess air pollution and heat exposure levels to workers in the workplace environment in glass manufacturing unit located in the State of Gujarat, India. Samples for workplace air quality were collected for SPM, SO₂, NO₂ and CO₂ at eight locations. Results of workplace air quality showed 8-hourly average concentrations of SPM: 165–9118 μg/m³, SO₂: 6–9 μg/m³ and NO₂: 5–42 μg/m³, which were below the threshold limit values of workplace environment. The level of CO₂ in workplace air of the plant was found to be in the range 827–2886 μg/m³, which was below TLV but much higher than the normal concentration for CO₂ in the air (585 mg/m³). Indoor heat exposure was studied near the furnace and at various locations in an industrial complex for glass manufacturing. The heat exposure parameters including the air temperature, the wet bulb temperature, and the globe parameters were measured. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), an indicator of heat, exceeded ACGIH TLVs limits most of the time at all the locations in workplace areas. The recommended duration of work and rest have also been estimated.     

Characteristics of Carbonaceous Aerosol at Taichung Harbor, Taiwan during Summer and Autumn Period of 2005

In recent years, suspended particle pollution has become a serious problem in Taiwan. The carbonaceous materials EC and OC are play important roles in various atmospheric processes. The primary OC/EC ratio approach is applied to assess the contribution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) to the PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ mass at the Taichung harbor sampling site. The results indicated that the average EC and OC concentration were 1.06 and 6.50 μg m⁻³, respectively, in fine particulate. And the average EC and OC concentration were 4.04 and 40.32 μg m⁻³, respectively, in coarse particulate at Taichung Harbor sampling site. In addition, and the average EC/OC rations was 8.72 in fine particle, respectively, at Taichung Harbor, Taiwan during summer and autumn period of 2005. The fine particle exhibited high particulate concentrations in October, and lower concentration particulate occurred in August. And in this study OC and EC concentrations in this study are compared with those in other cities. The results of EC and OC concentration in this study are also compare with those other cities.     

Estimation Of Selenium Concentration In Shallow Groundwater In Alluvial Fan Area In Tsukui, Central Japan

Total selenium (Se) and water-soluble Se in soil, and Se in a shallow groundwater were hydrogeochemically researched in an alluvial fan area in Tsukui, Central Japan. The water-soluble Se was estimated at average level of 2.6 ± 1.2μg Se kg⁻¹ dry soil (± SD, n = 25), showing less than 1% of the total Se (349–508μg Se kg⁻¹ dry soil) in soil. The monthly Se concentration in groundwater was average 2.2μg,L⁻¹, ranging 1.6–2.4μg,L⁻¹ during 2001–2003. The Se in groundwater significantly decreased with increasing groundwater level after rainfall. This result indicated that Se-bearing water percolated with relatively low Se concentration through the soil layer. According to our prediction model of linear regression curve on the observation data, Se concentration in the groundwater was estimated to be increasing with the very low rate of 4.35 × 10⁻³μg Se L⁻¹,yr⁻¹. The hydrogeochemical research and the result of the prediction model showed that any explosive increase of Se will hardly occur in this groundwater without an anthropogenic Se contamination.     

Study of metals concentration levels in Patella piperata throughout the Canary Islands, Spain

In order to assess the extent of metal contamination at rocky shores of the Canarian Archipelago, metal concentrations have been measured in Patella piperata (Gould, 1846), using the standard atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique. Ranges of elements concentrations measured (in μg g⁻¹) found in the biota were: Cd (0.36 ± 0.26 μg g⁻¹ dry wt.), Cu (2.05 ± 0.91 dry wt.), Pb (1.57 ± 1.14 μg g⁻¹dry wt.) and Zn (10.37 ± 4.60 μg g⁻¹ dry wt.). Variation in metal concentrations in Patella, was tested by using non-parametric statistical methods. Cd content had a maximum in the Archipelago Chinijo, northward of Lanzarote Island. The metal concentrations recorded at the clean stations may be considered carefully if they are used like background levels.     

Evaluation of A Sampling Strategy for Estimation of Long-term Pm2.5 Exposure for Epidemiological Studies

As part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) PM_2.5 (particles collected with an upper 50% cut point of 2.5 μm aerodynamic diameter) was measured using an EPA-WINS (Environmetal Protection Agency Well Impactor Ninety-six) sampler. The monitoring schedule was restricted to 7 days per month for one year. Simultaneously, during this one year study period a collocated Harvard Impactor (HI) was run on a daily basis in Erfurt, Germany. Here we validated the reliability of annual, seasonal and monthly means estimated using the ECRHS scheme (measurements taken less than 25% of the whole study period) with the ‘true’ long-term averages, which were estimated using all available daily means.The daily PM_2.5 means, obtained by both instruments operated in parallel, were only slightly different (the mean difference between EPA-WINS and HI was 1.8 μg m⁻³ and 2.8 μg m⁻³ for the winter means). The values obtained by the two instruments were highly correlated (r = 0.95).In view of that negligible difference, no additional bias was seen with respect to the annual and the winter means estimated by the two different sampling strategies (the difference was 1.7 μg m⁻³ and 2.7 μg m⁻³, respectively). Monthly means, however, can only be considered to be a crude estimate that may substantially under- or overestimate the true monthly mean value.     

Observational and modeling study of dry deposition on surrogate surfaces in a South China city: implication of removal of atmospheric crustal particles

Dry deposition samples collected during 1999–2001 at a South China site using surrogate surfaces were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Collector surface properties played important roles to the dry deposition. The deposition velocities for various species ranged from 0.02 to 1.69 cm s^???1, in general agreement with literature values. More than 90% of Ca^2?+? was deposited by sedimentation and its comparable values of dry or wet removal residence times imply that dry deposition is an important atmospheric removal process for the ubiquitous crustal species in South China, compared with precipitation scavenging. Relatively good agreement was found when the species deposition velocities were modeled based on up-to-date knowledge of particle dry deposition. The total depositions for anthropogenic and crustal species in northern China are likely to be much higher than those in the south, including our site where the fluxes of the acidic species SO₄ ^2??? and NO₃ ^??? were 4.4 and 2.2 g m^???2 year^???1, respectively. The sum of dry deposition for cations Na^?+?, Ca^2?+?, Mg^2?+?, and K^?+? contributes 44% of the total flux, which is equivalent to the value estimated in Europe.     

Hydrogeochemical characterization of contaminated groundwater in Patancheru industrial area,southern India

The groundwater is one of the most contaminated natural resources in Patancheru industrial area due to unplanned and haphazard industrial growth and urbanization without following basic pollution control norms. The rapid industrialization initiated in early 1970 has started showing up its after effects few years later in the form of physiochemical contamination of the both surface and groundwater bodies of the area. It has resulted in local people being deprived of safe drinking water, plant and aquatic life has severely affected, and situation is deteriorating over the years in the area in spite of some preventive and remedial measures being initiated. The focus of the present study is to understand the chemical characteristics of groundwater and geochemical processes the contaminant water is undergoing which are normally imprinted in its ionic assemblages. The water samples collected in pre- and post-monsoon seasons from forty two groundwater and four surface water sources were analyzed for major constituents such as Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, CO₃⁻, HCO₃⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, and F⁻, and selected samples were tested for ten important trace metals like Fe, Pb, Bi, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd. Na⁺ among cations and Cl⁻ among anions dominate the water in both the seasons where as Ca²⁺, HCO₃⁻, and Cl⁻ show significant reduction in their ionic strength in post-monsoon. The groundwater in general is of mixed type, but most of it belong to Na⁺–Cl⁻, Na⁺–HCO₃⁻, Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃⁻, and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–Cl⁻ facies. The Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ are in the transitional state with Na⁺ replacing Ca²⁺ and HCO₃⁻–Cl⁻ due to physiochemical changes in the aquifer system. The evaluation of hydrochemistry through various ionic indices, ratios, and plots suggest that silicate–carbonate weathering, ion exchange, dissolution, and evaporation processes are responsible for origin of the present chemical status of the groundwater which is also controlled by the contamination from extraneous sources that could have accelerated the dissolution processes. Gibbs plots authenticate that the evolution of water chemistry is influenced by interaction of percolating water with aquifer matrix apart from anthropogenic enrichment of elements which get over concentrated due to evaporation.     

Investigation of heavy metal contaminations in the lower Sakarya river water and sediments

In this work, water and sediment samples were collected from three different stations located along the Sakarya river between May and September 2003. Lead, copper, chromium, zinc, nickel and cadmium concentrations were determined by using solvent extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometric method. The results show that differences based upon sampling times, regions, sediment and water samples were observed. The mean levels of copper, nickel, chromium, lead, cadmium, zinc for sediment samples are; 4.630 μg g⁻¹, 13.520 μg g⁻¹, 8.780 μg g⁻¹, 2.550 μg g⁻¹, 9.990 μg g⁻¹ and for water samples are; 0.851 μg g⁻¹, 1.050 μg g⁻¹, 0.027 μg g⁻¹, 1.786 μg g⁻¹, 0.236 μg g⁻¹, 0.173 μg g⁻¹, respectively.