title: Bulk deposition in a rural area located around a large coal-fired power station, northeast Spain.
abstract: This work focuses on bulk deposition in a rural area located around a large coal-fired power station in northeast Spain. Deposition chemistry was characterised by high concentrations of SO(4)(2-), Ca(2+) and NH(4)(+), which were relatively high when compared with other rural areas. Monthly bulk deposition evolution of major ions was the result of two superimposed patterns: one pattern related to the volume of precipitation and the other showed the seasonal influence of the major ionic sources. A major local origin was attributed to bulk deposition of SO(4)(2-), NH(4)(+), and Ca(2+), whereas a relatively higher contribution of an external source was deduced for NO(3)(-), Na(+) and Cl(-). The SO(4)(2-) concentrations showed a significant correlation with the local SO(2) emissions. High levels of Ca(2+) were due to the high alkalinity of soils in the study area, although an external origin was attributed to the frequent air mass intrusions from the Sahara. Sources of NH(4)(+) were related to intensive livestock farming in the area. Total suspended particles exert a marked influence over bulk deposition and neutralisation. Thus, despite the high emissions of SO(2) in the area, neutral pH values have always been attained given that the concentrations of Ca(2+) and NH(4)(+) account for the total neutralisation of NO(3)(-) and SO(4)(2-).
authors.affiliation: Institute of Earth Sciences Jaume Almera, CSIC, C/ Lluis Solé Sabarís, s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alastuey
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Querol
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chaves
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Ruiz
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carratala
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lopez-Soler