Arsenic in atmospheric deposition at the Czech–Polish border: Two sampling campaigns 20 years apart

Abstract

Arsenic (As) occurs in atmospheric deposition both in soluble and insoluble forms, mainly bound to fine aerosol particles (less than 2.5 microm). Interception deposition (i.e. fog, dew and ice accretion) represents a specific type of atmospheric deposition, which has been much more contaminated with As than bulk deposition. This study compares the As amount and its binding forms in bulk and interception deposition in the winters of 1984-1986 and 2003-2005 in the Orlické hory mountains (Adlergebirge) near the Czech-Polish border; sampled and analysed by the same methodology. The As concentrations in ice accretions decreased 16 times over the twenty year period (from 50 microg L(-1) to 3 microg L(-1)), while the pH values increased by 0.8 units. As concentrations in snow decreased from 15 microg L(-1) in 1984-1986 to <2 microg L(-1) in 2003-2005. This decline mirrored the considerable decrease in industrial emissions in Central Europe. Higher acidity of interception deposition (about 1 pH unit) in comparison with the bulk deposition was observed in both sampling periods. The quantity of bulk deposition (snowfall) also influenced the As concentration in interception deposition. Dry periods resulted in higher As-amounts in interception deposition due to limited washing of atmospheric aerosol particles by wet deposition. The As concentration and stability in atmospheric deposition are important for the study of subsequent As-migration and/or accumulation in soil -- groundwater -- surface water.