Abstract
Bulk precipitation samples were collected weekly at Turrialba, Costa Rica, from March 1979 through March 1981 and analyzed for pH, conductivity, major cations and anions, nutrient (N and P) species, and 12 trace metals. Results indicated that Costa Rican precipitation contains relatively low levels of acidity, nutrients, and minerals. For example, during the precipitation years March 1979 to March 1980 and April 1980 to April 1981, volume‐weighted mean specific conductances were 4.88 and 4.82 μS/cm, respectively. Precipitation pH values ranged from 4.81 to 6.35 and the volume‐weighted mean pH was 5.34 over the 2‐year study. On the basis of equivalent ratios, excess [SO42−] was found to be the principal acidic anion, with only small possible contributions from excess [Cl−] or NO3−. Marine‐ derived aerosol accounted for virtually all of the Na+, Mg2− and Cl− deposited in Turrialba rain and was a minor contributor (3–15%) to the K+, Ca2+, and SO42− loadings. Excess [SO42−] comprised 85% of the total SO42− and may arise in Costa Rican precipitation due to long‐range transport, biogenic sources, or local volcanic emissions. Highest concentrations of minerals and nutrients were observed during the low rainfall period of early spring, which coincided with increased agricultural activities. Very low levels of trace metals were observed in the precipitation.
Published Version
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