Study of the acidic deposition phenomenon over Alexandria city

ABSTRACT

Acid deposition commonly occurs due to conversion of primary acidic pollutants [SO[2] and NO[2]] into secondary pollutants [H[2]SO[4] and HNO[3] and their salts]. The main natural sources of acid deposition in Alexandria include lightening and microbial processes. Anthropogenic sources include traffic, industrial, fuel burning, and incineration activities. Acid deposition has ecological and economic effects in addition to health effects. The objective of this study is to assess acidity of dry and wet depositions in the atmosphere of Alexandria. Dry samples were collected as settled dust using plastic jar. Wet samples were collected as rain water using polyethylene bottle. All samples were analyzed for pH, sulfates, and nitrates. The relatively high pH values observed in depositions of Alexandria city [6.95 +/- 0.22] and [7.14 +/- 0.49] for settled dust and rain water respectively indicating the conversion of the formed acids [H[2]SO[4] and HNO[3]] into their salts. This explanation was confirmed by the relatively high concentrations of sulfates and nitrates. The average values were [14.3 +/- 4.21 g/km[2]/month and 20.5 +/- 9.5mg/L for sulfates], and [22.6 +/- 10.6 g/km[2]/month and 0.5 +/- 0.32 mg/L for nitrates] for settled dust and rainwater samples respectively. It can be concluded that Alexandria is a lucky city regarding acidity of the atmosphere due to its geographic, topographic, and meteorological features. Building up acid deposition monitoring network that covers all Egyptian cities to be a nucleus for African network, using new technologies that reduce emission of acid deposition precursors and alternative sources of energy, implementing and enforcing regulations and standards for major pollutants, and increasing public awareness are recommended