Chemical characteristics of precipitation at an Atlantic station

Weekly or half-monthly bulk rainwater samples were collected over 3 yr (1993-1995) at Porspoder, an Atlantic station near Brest, France. They were analyzed for 0.08 M HNO3-leachable trace metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn by direct electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Major ions and nitrogen species (NO3/- and NH4/+) in precipitation were determined by ion chromatography. In coastal precitation, a high correlation was observed for major ions having a seawater origin (Na+, CL- and Mg2+. Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb were well correlated indicating their anthropogenic origin. In the case of nitrogen species and nssSO4/2- a high correlation with Zn was observed, taken as an anthropogenic pollution tracer. Major ions and nitrogen species were determined according to wind sector direction showing clearly the impact of the pollution at this station attributed to continental air masses. A relative constancy of pH values in all wind directions was observed. Due to an important oceanic influence, trace metal concentrations and annual deposition densities were significantly lower at Porspoder than at North Sea coastal stations. In the case of nitrogen species, the relatively higher concentration levels probably indicated a significant local agricultural contribution.