Heavy metals content in rain water collected in three different locations in Italy during 1999

Rain water samples collected at three different locations in Italy during 1999 were analysed for heavy metals determination. Results for V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Cd, Sb, Pb, Al and Ni are reported in this paper. For most of the elements higher concentration values have been measured in the samples from Alpe Gera (rural site): only for Cd and V were the concentrations higher at Pisa. The total annual deposition (microg m(-2) y(-1)) shows a similar behaviour, with Alpe Gera being the location with highest total annual input for Cr, Mn, Co, and in particular for Cu, Sb, Pb and Al. The reason of the higher deposition at a rural site in comparison to a urban one (Milan) is not known: further experimental work and investigations are needed. Generally, no evident seasonal trends have been observed for the measured concentrations, while few correlations have been found among elements within the same station. Crustal contribution to total concentration varies from about 20% for V to less than 1% for Cu, Cd, Sb, Pb and Ni.