Chemical and isotopic composition of rainwater in the eastern Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

Abstract

Given that rain is the component of precipitation that reaches the surface of the earth, and aiming to contribute to the global efforts of rainwater monitoring, we present information regarding the origin of ions and their relationship with isotopic patterns and the source of moisture for rainwater in the Mexican Caribbean, which not only may be useful for pollution and atmospheric studies, but also for estimating groundwater recharges, understanding dust nuisances, and offering information about water quality for rainwater harvesting. In this paper, we describe the chemical composition of rainwater in terms of major ions, isotopic composition, and the most probable sources of moisture in the Caribbean coastal zone of Mexico, considering the three main climatic seasons in this area. The chemistry of rainwater displayed a noticeable influence from sea-salt spray, land-blown dust, and anthropogenic impacts such as agriculture and biomass burning. We identified the predominant terrestrial origin of calcium, namely anthropogenic contributions of sulfates and nitrates, plus potassium from sea spray and anthropogenic emissions. The local meteoric water line is δ2H = 8.2 δ18O + 13.8 (R² = 0.9601) suggesting enrichment due to evaporative losses, various moisture sources and local climatic effects. Although isotope composition was not different by site, it was by season, as opposed to water chemistry. We conclude that the water chemistry responds to the local conditions of the air column below the clouds, while the isotope composition is influenced by the origin of moisture and the physical conditions in which water evaporates and condenses as well.