Abstract
Precipitation sampls were collected in Chonju-city during October 1994 to September 1995 and were analysed for major ions (N $a^{+}$, $K^{+}$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$, C $l^{[-10]}$ , NO/$_3$, S $O_4$$^{2-}$) and trace metals (Al, Cd, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn) in addition to pH, in order to understand the chemical characteristics of acid rain and to estimate the origin of the determined ions. Most rain showed a neutral or alkaline character, and only 35% had a pH lower than 5.6. S $O_4$$^{2-}$ and N $O_3$$^{[-10]}$ are identified as the primary contributors to precipitation acidity in this region. Neutralization of precipitation acidity occurs as a result of the dissolution of alkaline compounds containing $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$ and $K^{+}$. S $O_4$$^{2-}$ and N $O_3$$^{[-10]}$ precipitation concentrations exhibit a seasonal pattern in which higher concentrations are observed during spring months and lower concentrations during summer months. However, the seasonal behavior of $H^{+}$ concentrations differs from this pattern, in that the highest concentrations occur during autumn months, owing to the different influence of neutralization processes. In all rain, S $O_4$$^{2-}$ concentration exceeded NO/$_3$$^{[-10]}$ concentration. The contribution of maritime sources to the total S $O_4$$^{2-}$ concentration was very low or negligible. For rain strongly affacted by yellow sand, $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$ and $K^{+}$ ions show a sharp increase in concentration, reflecting the increased amount of dust and soil suspended in atmosphere. At the same time, S $O_4$$^{2-}$ and N $O_3$$^{[-10]}$ concentrations are at their highest levels while $H^{+}$ values are not comparably elevated, presumably beacause much of the acidity has been neutralized by alkaline substances. The seasonal variance of trace metal concentrations in rainwater is similar to that of major cations. The annual wet flux of acidic pollutants and trace metals wat calculated to be as follows: N $O_3$$^{[-10]}$ ; 2.32 g/$m^2$, S $O_4$$^{2-}$, 5.34 g/$m^2$, Al; 6.30 mg/$m^2$, Cd; 0.62 mg/$m^2$, Ni; 4.08 mg/$m^2$, Pb: 9.76 mg/$m^2$, Sr; 5.94 mg/$m^2$, Zn; 111 mg/$m^2$./$m^2$.