The deposition of sulphur in the rainwater in Northern Nigeria

• Published in: Tellus Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 408 - 411
• Main Author: Bromfield, A. R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01.01.1974
• ISSN: 0040-2826; 1600-0870; 2153-3490; 1600-0870
• DOI: 10.3402/tellusa.v26i3.9846

The concentrations and amounts of SO 4 -S were measured at eleven sites, situated between 350 and 880 kilometres from the sea, during two rainy seasons in Northern Nigeria. In both years, concentration showed a similar pattern at each site, being greatest at the beginning and end and smallest at the peak of the rains. The presence of anthropogenic atmospheric-S at the start of the rains, and of harmattan dust and lower precipitation at the beginning and end of the rains account for the concentration pattern observed. Amounts of S deposited ranged from 0.49-1.89, mean 1.14 kg S/ha. An estimate of dry deposition of S was made from the intercept on the y axis of a plot of amount deposited against rainfall. The dry deposition rates were 0.26 and 0.43 × 10 -12 g S/cm 2 /s respectively. The agricultural importance of the deposition is briefly discussed.DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1974.tb01618.x