Bulk deposition in a rural area located around a large coal-fired power station, northeast Spain

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) Vol. 106; no. 3; pp. 359 - 367
• Main Authors: ALASTUEY, A, QUEROL, X, CHAVES, A, RUIZ, C. R, CARRATALA, A, LOPEZ-SOLER, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier 01.09.1999
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Dispersed sources and other; Exact sciences and technology; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; Spain, Northeast; Europe; Spain; Chemical analysis; Atmospheric fallout; Time variation; Sulfur dioxide; Acid precipitation; Sulfur Compounds; Seasonal variation; Coal power plant; Pollution source inventory; Rural area; Air pollution; Chemical composition; Trajectory; Neutralization
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/S0269-7491(99)00103-7

This work focuses on bulk deposition in a rural area located around a large coal-fired power station in northeast Spain. Deposition chemistry was characterised by high concentrations of SO(4)(2-), Ca(2+) and NH(4)(+), which were relatively high when compared with other rural areas. Monthly bulk deposition evolution of major ions was the result of two superimposed patterns: one pattern related to the volume of precipitation and the other showed the seasonal influence of the major ionic sources. A major local origin was attributed to bulk deposition of SO(4)(2-), NH(4)(+), and Ca(2+), whereas a relatively higher contribution of an external source was deduced for NO(3)(-), Na(+) and Cl(-). The SO(4)(2-) concentrations showed a significant correlation with the local SO(2) emissions. High levels of Ca(2+) were due to the high alkalinity of soils in the study area, although an external origin was attributed to the frequent air mass intrusions from the Sahara. Sources of NH(4)(+) were related to intensive livestock farming in the area. Total suspended particles exert a marked influence over bulk deposition and neutralisation. Thus, despite the high emissions of SO(2) in the area, neutral pH values have always been attained given that the concentrations of Ca(2+) and NH(4)(+) account for the total neutralisation of NO(3)(-) and SO(4)(2-).