Search results for "atmospheric deposition"
showing 5 items of 25 documents
Major and trace elements characterization of atmospheric deposition in volcanic, urban, and industrial areas of Sicily (Italy): preliminary results
2022
The source of chemical elements dissolved in rainwater can be both natural and anthropogenic. A group of trace elements has been recently brought to attention for their possible environmental impacts, the Technology-critical elements (TCEs). The current knowledge about the geochemical cycle of TCEs is still scarce, nevertheless recent studies [e.g. Brugnone et al., 2020] evidenced a contribution from the volcanic activity for some of them (Te, Tl, and REE). Our research aims to produce a geochemical database on major and trace element depositions in different areas of Sicily: a volcanic area (Etna), two urban areas (Palermo, Catania), two industrial areas (Milazzo, Priolo), and a rural moni…
Atmospheric Deposition around the Industrial Areas of Milazzo and Priolo Gargallo (Sicily–Italy)—Part A: Major Ions
2023
The chemical composition of rainwater was studied in two highly-industrialised areas in Sicily (southern Italy), between June 2018 and July 2019. The study areas were characterised by large oil refining plants and other industrial hubs whose processes contribute to the release of large amounts of gaseous species that can affect the chemical composition of atmospheric deposition As in most of the Mediterranean area, rainwater acidity (ranging in the study area between 3.9 and 8.3) was buffered by the dissolution of abundant geogenic carbonate aerosol. In particular, calcium and magnesium cations showed the highest pH-neutralizing factor, with ~92% of the acidity brought by SO42− and NO…
Chemical and isotopic characterization of rainwater in volcanic, urban and industrial areas of Sicily (Italy)
2021
The chemical composition of rainwater depends on (i) the dissolution of gases and particulate matter emitted by different sources, (ii) the chemical and physical reactions occurring during local and regional scale transport, and (iii) removal processes. The source of major and trace elements dissolved in rainwater can be both natural (e.g. sea salts, volcanic emissions, geogenic dust, biogenic material) and anthropogenic (e.g. industrial plants, vehicular traffic, domestic heating, vessel traffic). A group of trace elements has been recently brought to attention, especially for their possible environmental impacts, the Technology-critical elements (TCEs): Ga, Ge, In, Te, Nb, Ta, Tl, the Pla…
Atmospheric Deposition Of Volcanogenic Major And Trace Elements On Mt. Etna (Italy)
2009
There are a variety of natural and anthropogenic sources of trace elements into the environment, and human activity has drastically changed the biogeochemical cycles and balance of several elements. In the last twenty years many efforts have been spent by the scientific community to better outline the levels of pollutants in the environment on a long-term basis, and to evaluate global large-scale changes. It is generally accepted that volcanic emissions are an important source of gases and particles to the atmosphere, contributing significantly to the natural geochemical cycles of all elements (Nriagu, 1989; Hinkley et al., 1999; Oppenheimer, 2003). Many studies have been carried out on the…
The impact of Mt. Etna volcanic emissions on the atmospheric deposition: developments and improvements during three decades of studies
2022
Volcanic emissions are an important source of gases and particles to the atmosphere. Mount Etna discharges a permanent volcanic plume consisting of water vapor and gaseous species (CO2, SO2, HCl and HF, mainly), metals, acid droplets, and solid particles. This plume interacts with meteoric water during precipitations events, so the chemical signature of the plume is impressed on the rainwater. Over the past 32 years, the impact of Etna's emissions on atmospheric deposition has been investigated in many research projects by our team. Sampling methodologies and analytical procedures have been improved over the years. The first study of the concentration of water-soluble inorganic ions in week…