Snow quality in the city of Luleå, Sweden — time-variation of lead, zinc, copper and phosphorus

Abstract

The quality of urban snow was studied with regard to how the concentrations of selected metals and phosphorus vary over time. The area studied is situated in northern Sweden (65°36′ N; 22°13′ E). Snow samples were taken at three different locations in the city centre, approximately every second week, throughout winter. This study has clearly shown the importance of local conditions and snow clearance operations on snow quality. The study also shows that it is difficult to interpret and predict the concentrations of lead, zinc, copper and phosphorus in the snow. However, it should be possible to predict the mass loads of these substances from the deposition velocities, if the snow handling methods and routines, as well as the local circumstances are known.