Atmospheric Deposition around the Industrial Areas of Milazzo and Priolo Gargallo (Sicily–Italy)—Part A: Major Ions

Filippo Brugnone (), Walter D’Alessandro, Francesco Parello, Marcello Liotta, Sergio Bellomo, Vincenzo Prano, Lorenza Li Vigni, Mario Sprovieri and Sergio Calabrese ()
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Filippo Brugnone: Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy
Walter D’Alessandro: Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Section of Palermo Via Ugo la Malfa, 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
Francesco Parello: Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy
Marcello Liotta: Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Section of Palermo Via Ugo la Malfa, 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
Sergio Bellomo: Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Section of Palermo Via Ugo la Malfa, 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
Vincenzo Prano: Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Section of Palermo Via Ugo la Malfa, 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
Lorenza Li Vigni: Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy
Mario Sprovieri: Istituto per lo Studio degli Impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in Ambiente Marino, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IAS—CNR), Capo Granitola, Via del Mare, 3, Torretta Granitola, Fraz, 91021 Campobello di Mazara, Italy
Sergio Calabrese: Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi, 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 5, 1-25

Abstract: 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 SO 4 2− and NO 3 − neutralized by alkaline dust. The lowest pH values were observed in samples collected after abundant rain periods, characterised by a less significant dry deposition of alkaline materials. Electrical Conductivity (ranging between 7 µS cm −1 and 396 µS cm −1 ) was inversely correlated with the amount of rainfall measured in the two areas. Concentrations of major ionic species followed the sequence Cl − > Na + > SO 4 2− ≃ HCO 3 − > ≃ Ca 2+ > NO 3 − > Mg 2+ > K + > F − . High loads of Na + and Cl − (with a calculated R 2 = 0.99) reflected proximity to the sea. Calcium, potassium, and non-sea-salt magnesium had a prevalent crustal origin. Non-sea salt sulphate, nitrate, and fluoride can be attributed mainly to anthropogenic sources. Mt. Etna, during eruptive periods, may be also considered, on a regional scale, a significant source for fluoride, non-sea salt sulphate, and even chloride.

Keywords: atmospheric deposition; acidity neutralization; major ions; marine source; anthropogenic source (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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