SO/sub 2/ versus sulfate wet deposition in the eastern United States

Journal Article · Wed Aug 20 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JC085iC08p04475· OSTI ID:5102234

Dana, M T

Precipitation even samples from the Multi-State Atmospheric Power Production Pollution Study (MAP3S) precipitation chemistry network have been analyzed for both dissolved SO/sub 2/ and sulfate. Because SO/sub 2/ oxidizes rapidly to sulfate in collected samples, special sampling and handing techniques were used to preserve the dissolved SO/sub 2/ for analysis. About 2 years of concentration data show the dissolved SO/sub 2/ can contribute significantly to the wet deposition of sulfur in the eastern U.S. region during the cooler months (October--March). On an annual basis, this contribution is on the order of 5% of the total sulfur wet deposition. The SO/sub 2/ component can be as much as 80% of the total sulfur in individual wintertime samples, and it can exceed 50% of the weighted monthly mean deposition at certain sites. These results are compatible with estimates made on the basis of known SO/sub 2/ solubility properties. Regional measurements of nonurban SO/sub 2/ air concentrations can be combined with precipitation pH data and the solubility of SO/sub 2/ to make estimates of the likely contribution of SO/sub 2/ to the total sulfur deposition over the eastern U.S. region. It appears, however, that these estimates should be calculated on an event-by-event basis, with a recognition of the many variables involved.

• Research Organization: Battelle, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352
• OSTI ID: 5102234
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 85:C8; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMISTRY
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
EAST COAST
NORTH AMERICA
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PH VALUE
QUANTITY RATIO
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFUR OXIDES
TROPOSPHERE
USA