Collection and Analysis of Rainwater; Experimental Problems and the Interpretation of Results

Abstract

Eight open and eight wet-only rain samplers. placed together on an open field near Den Helder. The Netherlands, were sampled three times a week. Greatest care in sampling and analysis procedures was taken to avoid contamination. The samples were analysed for H⁺, NH⁺ ₄, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fc, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Mn, Al, V, SO^2- ₄, NO⁻ ₃, Cl⁻, Br⁻ and F⁻ by wet chemical techniques. AAS and instrumental neutron activation analysis. For many species the difference between the results of open and wet-only samplers was negligible. The correlation between some cations and anions was computed and indications were found for the presence of HNO₃ and (NH₄)₂SO₄ in the atmosphere. whereas little H₂SO₄ or NH₄NO₃ seems to be present. It is possible to detect whether various pollutants are of continental or marine origin.