Factors controlling temporal variability of gamma radionuclides and major-ions of bulk deposition in Málaga

Abstract

Concentrations of both gamma radionuclides as well as major ions in bulk deposition samples were measured monthly from January 2005–December 2013 and January 2007–December 2013 respectively. The gamma radionuclides present are 7Be, 210Pb and 40K (50 % of the samples), while ions in bulk deposition were dominated by Ca2+, Cl−, $${\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - }$$ and Na+. Principal component analysis, enrichment factor and source assessment were performed to identify possible common sources. The time series of radionuclides and ions showed seasonal pattern and dependence mainly with number of African outbreaks, temperature and rain. Relatively poor correlations were observed between radionuclides and major ions.