On the acidity and salinity of rain
Abstract
Analyses of pH, Na, K, Ca, Mg, HCO 3, Cl, SO 4, NO 3, and PO 4 are recorded for forty-two rain samples collected in the English Lake District between 14 May and 23 October 1954. NaCl was often an important constituent, and the main source of Na, Mg, and Cl appeared to be sea-spray. SO 4 was clearly correlated with soot, and free H 4SO 4 frequently accounted for an appreciable proportion of total ions. Ca, K, and SO 4 were correlated to some extent. HCO 3 was absent from more than half the samples. NO 3 and PO 4 were usually low in concentration. Sea-spray influence appeared greatest in autumn, while industrial pollution reached its highest concentration in spring. The ecological significance of the ions in rain is pointed out.
- Publication:
-
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
- Pub Date:
- June 1955
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0016-7037(55)90034-X
- Bibcode:
- 1955GeCoA...7..231G