Seasonal characteristics of the chemical composition of rainwaters from Salta city, NW Argentina

M. ROMERO ORUE; D. M. GAIERO; A. KIRSCHBAUM

Environmental Earth Science

Sringer Nature

Año: 2019 vol. 78

Major ions, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were analyzed in rainwater samples collected at Salta city (NW Argentina) during the summer seasons of years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. Precipitations in the area are characterized by low total dissolved load and slightly acidic pH. The pH values are in agreement with low concentrations of anthropogenic acid species like NO3- and SO42- and consistent with a low urban development. Data indicate that the high concentration of dissolved Ca higher concentration of dissolved Ca2+, are probably associated to the existence of marble quarry mining in the valley. According to a below-cloud process, it is observed that during the dry season dust particles and contaminants are concentrated in the lower troposphere and washed-out immediately after a rainfall occurred. This process is in part responsible for the chemical composition of the local rainwater. Apart of quarry mining activity, the area does not have significant extra atmospheric pollution linked to anthropogenic sources. The new data permit to establish the baseline of the chemical composition of the local rainwater