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Investigation of element speciation in atmosphere
1Institute of Nuclear Physics, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Ulughbek, Tashkent, CIS.
Biological Trace Element Research
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Instrumental neutron activation analysis revealed the elemental composition of rainwater. Different elements were found to exist in various forms, including coarse aerosol particles, vapor-gas phase, and fine aerosol, influencing their distribution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Atmospheric Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Rainwater composition provides insights into atmospheric processes.
- Understanding elemental distribution in rainwater is crucial for air quality assessment.
- Aerosol particles and vapor-gas phases are key atmospheric components impacting precipitation chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the elemental composition of rainwater.
- To investigate the phase distribution (aerosol vs. vapor-gas) of elements in rainwater.
- To identify the particle size distribution of elements in atmospheric aerosols contributing to rainwater.
Main Methods:
- Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) for elemental quantification.
- Filtration of rainwater to separate solid water-insoluble fractions.
- Analysis of both solid residues and filtered liquid samples.
Main Results:
- Concentrations of 20 elements were determined in rainwater samples.
- Elements like Na, Cl, K, Sc, Cr, Mn, Fe, Se, Br, I, Cs, La, Sm, and Au were associated with coarse aerosol particles.
- Zn, As, Sb, and Hg were found predominantly in the vapor-gas phase, while Co and W were linked to finely dispersed aerosols.
Conclusions:
- Elemental composition of rainwater reflects atmospheric particulate and gaseous matter.
- Different elements exhibit distinct phase preferences (aerosol size, vapor-gas) in the atmosphere.
- INAA is effective in elucidating the atmospheric origin and transport of elements in precipitation.