Search

Aerosol (PM10), bulk deposition, sea surface microlayer (SML) and underlying water (ULW) samples were collected simultaneously during a field campaign at the middle Adriatic coastal site between February and July 2019, to assess the impact of atmospheric deposition (AD) of biologically relevant trace metals (TM) (Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Cd and Pb) on the sea surface responses in an oligotrophic coastal region. Anthropogenic emissions from continental Europe, alongside local/regional domestic heating, likely affected the concentrations of Zn, Cd and Pb in aerosols during winter-early spring, while traffic emissions during the tourist season impacted Ni, Co and Cu aerosol concentrations. Additionally, open-fire biomass burning (BB) episodes caused considerable TM concentration increases, while Saharan dust intrusion in spring led to a 10-fold increase in Co concentrations in PM10 samples. These intensive episodes significantly affected the bulk deposition fluxes of TMs, showing that a small number of such extreme events, common to Mediterranean coastal areas, could be responsible for most of the AD. Enrichments and concentrations of total TMs in SML samples collected following BB events indicated that such events, along with high precipitation, influenced TM partitioning in surface water layers. We estimated that AD represents a significant source of TM to the shallow middle Adriatic coastal area, highlighting the need to further explore the atmosphere-sea surface links, to expand our understanding of the biogeochemistry of these important micronutrients and pollutants, including their impact on the aquatic community.

While atmospheric deposition plays a vital role in cleaning air pollutants, it also supplies toxic heavy metals and metalloids (MMs) to the receiving terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and threatens human health through food chains. To characterize the input of atmospheric deposition to agricultural soils, bulk rain samples were collected on an event basis at a rural site in the North China Plain during 2016–2020. The results show that higher concentrations of MMs in bulk rain samples were associated with western and southern air masses passing polluted areas. In addition, the annual deposition flux of MMs tends to decline during the study period, coinciding with the inter-annual variations of particulate matter rather than the precipitation amounts. Of note, the deposition flux of MMs that exist entirely in fine particles declined significantly compared to those that exist in coarse particulate form, indicating that the clean air actions implemented in recent years were highly effective in reducing ambient MMs from anthropogenic emissions. The positive matrix factorization receptor model was also applied to the whole data set for bulk depositions and five sources were identified as agricultural (biomass burning and soil), dust, coal combustion, industrial and traffic emissions. These factors contributed 41%, 24%, 21%, 9% and 5% of the chemical components in bulk depositions, respectively. Future control strategies should tighten the emissions from combustion and soil/dust in the North China Plain to protect agriculture from atmospheric MMs depositions.

The complexing capacity for Cu ions ( L T ) and the apparent stability constant values (log K app ) were measured in throughfall (TF) and open field bulk deposition (BD), at two Mediterranean forest ecosystems of western Greece. L T was measured for the first time in the TF of natural forests. Concentrations of L T were three-to-four-fold higher in TF (mean ± st.dev: 2014 ± 769 nM for Varetada and 1565 ± 595 nM for Karpenissi) compared to those in BD (531 ± 517 nM and 468 ± 321 nM, respectively). In all TF and BD samples, L T concentrations were significantly higher than the corresponding total Cu concentrations, indicating that Cu was fully complexed. The L T /TOC ratios in TF were found comparable between the two study sites (235 ± 149 nM mg −1 C for Varetada and 256 ± 233 nM mg −1 C for Karpenissi) and with those of BD (226 ± 257 and 163 ± 163 nM mg −1 C, respectively). The determined mean log K app values were almost identical in TF (6.8 ± 0.7 at Varetada; 6.8 ± 0.6 at Karpenissi) and BD (6.5 ± 0.6 at Varetada; 6.8 ± 0.3 at Karpenissi), pointing to the fact that regardless of the enrichment of TF in ligands ( L T (TF) > L T (BD) ) the type of binding sites remain the same. The log K app values which were obtained herewith are similar to those obtained for humic-like substances (HULIS), indicating them as the most widespread type of ligands in BD and TF.

Soil, street dust, and bulk deposition (dry and wet deposition) were collected in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (MABA), Argentina, to assess the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pollution and the potential risks to human health. Compared with other countries, the mean concentration of PAHs and PCBs in surface soils, street dust and bulk deposition of MABA were at a low or moderate level. Average PAHs and PCBs concentrations in bulk deposition (5.7 ± 5.1 and 0.41 ± 0.25 µg g−1, respectively) were five and ten times higher than those of soil (1.08 ± 0.98 and 0.02 ± 0.01 µg g−1) and street dust (1.2 ± 0.95 and 0.04 ± 0.03 µg g−1), respectively. Different compositional profiles, observed in the three matrices for both groups of contaminants, could be attributed to dissimilar source contribution, partition processes between gas and particulate phases, and transformation. The most contaminated bulk deposition presented higher values for cancer and non-cancer risks relative to soil and street dust. In all matrices, non-carcinogenic risks were below the safety threshold (HI, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo

This study provides an analysis of a five-year time series chemical composition of the bulk deposition (2009–2013), collected within a farm surrounded by industrial and urban settlements in a semi-rural area of the Po Valley, with the aim of characterizing potential emission sources affecting precipitation composition at the site. Most monitoring efforts in this region, recognized as one of the most polluted in the world both due to the intense industrialisation and urbanisation as well as to frequent air stagnation conditions, are presently devoted more to gaseous and particulate pollutants than to precipitation chemistry. The bulk deposition samples were very concentrated in chemical species, both acidic and alkaline, high compared to other polluted sites in the world and to locations in the same district. The mean ions concentrations (in μeq l−1) are: NO3 − (243) > SO4 2− (220) > PO4 3− (176) > Cl− (153) > NO2 − (29) > F− (2.6); NH4 + (504) > Ca2+ (489) > K+ (151) > Na+ (127) > Mg2+ (127). pH data shows a trend toward slightly alkaline conditions attributed to the large presence of ammonium and crustal elements, in spite of high concentrations of nitrates and sulphates. The relevant concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ further suggests that these alkaline conditions might be due to the correspondingly significant concentrations of carbonates/bicarbonates in our dataset. While back-trajectories analysis suggests the stronger importance of local resuspension over long-range transport, statistical analyses on ion composition highlight the key role exerted by agricultural activity, especially in the case of NH4 +, K+, Ca2+ and PO4 3− (especially linked to fertilisation practices and soil resuspension due to mechanical operations). Apart from Na+ and Cl− ions which correlate well as expected, indicating their likely common origin from marine salt, the identification of the origin of the other ions is very complex due to the contribution of diverse local sources, such as industrial and residential settlements.

Base cations, such as potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+), are essential nutrients for plant growth and their atmospheric inputs can buffer the effect of acid deposition by nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) compounds. However, the spatial variation in atmospheric deposition of these base cationic nutrients is less understood compared with N and S deposition. By synthesizing bulk deposition data for K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+, we assessed their annual rates and spatial characteristics at 34 forested sites across China. Our synthesis showed relatively high levels of bulk deposition of base cationic nutrients in China's forests, being an order of magnitude higher than in the USA and Europe. On average, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ accounted for 13%, 72% and 15% of the bulk deposition of base cationic nutrients, respectively. Surprisingly, base cation deposition was lower at sites near semi-arid regions compared with sites in eastern and southern China, which were far from semi-arid regions. Moreover, elevated base cation deposition was associated with urban hotspots, exhibiting a significant power-law increase with closer distance to the nearest large cities. We estimated that on average base cationic nutrients neutralized a significant proportion (76%) of the potential acid load due to acid deposition. Our findings suggest that in China there is considerable anthropogenic alteration of the regional cycling of base cationic nutrients, which plays an important role in counteracting the risk of soil acidification and base cation depletion in forest ecosystems, especially in the southern regions.

The contribution deals with the selected components of atmospheric bulkdeposition in the eastern part of the Slovak Republic, in the Krompachy area. Theatmospheric deposition (AD) is a significant source of many toxic pollutants and their major input into the surface and other components of environment. The monitoring was focused on the deposition fluxes of solid particles, trace metal elements (Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Cd and As), on their seasonal variations, origin and presence in water soluble and insoluble phases in the rural area close to the copper smeltery in Krompachy. Significantly higher abundance of all elements besides the Fe was found in the soluble phase in the area of Krompachy. The Kosice city lies in the eastern part of Slovakia. Except emissions arising from small industrial and municipal sources, road traffic and civil engineering, two large industrial sources of pollutants are located in its vicinity,directly in the town.

International audience; In order to assess the influence of local environment and spatial integration of Trace Metals (TM) by biomonitors, Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, V and Zn and some rare earth element (REE) concentrations have been measured in lichens and mosses collected in three French forest sites located inthree distinct mountainous areas, as well as in the local soil and bedrock, and in both bulk deposition (BD) and throughfall (TF). Similar enrichment factors (EF) were calculated using lichens and mosses and local bedrock for most elements, except for Cs, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Cu which were significantly (KW, p < 0.05) more enriched in mosses. Similar REE ratios were measured in soils, bedrock, lichens and mosses at each study sites, indicating a regional integration of atmospheric deposition by both biomonitors. Both TM signature and REE composition of mosses revealed that this biomonitor is highly influenced by throughfall composition, and reflect atmospheric deposition interaction with the forest canopy. This explained the higher enrichment measured in mosses for elements which concentration in deposition were influenced by the canopy, either due to leaching (Mn), direct uptake (Ni), or dry deposition dissolution (Pb, Cu, Cs).

In order to assess the contribution of a Municipal Solid Waste incinerator to the area's total contamination, metals and soluble ions have been determined in bulk deposition collected at sites affected by different levels of plant emissions, according to the results of the Calpuff air dispersion model. Results show that in general fluxes monitored at the different sites during the same period are quite similar for each analyte. Deposition fluxes of nitrite and ammonium are significantly lower at the more distant site, while copper is significantly higher at this site, possibly because of copper fungicide used on the nearby agriculture land. The presence of sea spray and resuspended soil dust can be inferred from Pearson correlation coefficients, while enrichment factors indicate that Cu, Pb and Zn have a probable anthropogenic origin. A more complete evaluation of the sources affecting the area was obtained with PMF analysis. The sources associated with each factor were identified from the source profile and temporal trends. Six factors were identified, three sources associate with natural matrices, while three factors represent anthropogenic sources. The greatest contribution of heavy metals, the most toxic and persistent components determined, is associated with resuspended soil dust, especially when weighted according to their toxicity. The anthropogenic source contribution is similar at all sites, and therefore the incinerator's relative contribution to the total pollutant load appears to be negligible compared to other sources affecting the area.

Measurements of trace element (As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn) deposition fluxes were conducted simultaneously in two contrasted environments, i.e., urban and forest, between April 2013 and October 2014. This was the first such project in central Poland, aimed at long-term observations of trace elements in the atmosphere and their distribution, transport, and deposition pattern. The receptor sites were different in terms of local meteorological conditions, emission potential, and distance to major anthropogenic sources. The deposition fluxes of all trace elements showed clear seasonal variations, with relatively higher values in winter than in summer. The main factors affecting interannual differences in concentrations and deposition of trace elements in central Poland were local emission from industrial and commercial sources, and changes in atmospheric conditions (wind speed and direction, boundary layer, precipitation amount, air mass origin). In this study, the impact of regional and long-range transport on trace element deposition was determined using the air back-trajectory cluster analysis. During the summertime of 2013 and 2014, the predominant SW and E advections from regional and remote anthropogenic sources in Europe were responsible for high deposition of Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, and Zn, whereas during the wintertime of 2013/2014, we observed a significant influence of polluted air masses from southeastern regions. Based on the Pb/Zn ratio, it was found that regional sources significantly influenced the aerosol composition and rainwater chemistry within the study domain. However, the role of a long-range transport of anthropogenic pollutants was also important. In addition, a relatively small difference in the Pb/Zn ratio between both sites (urban 0.26 ± 0.18, forest 0.23 ± 0.17) may suggest (1) very similar contribution of anthropogenic sources and (2) minor importance of atmospheric transformation processes of these metals in the aqueous phase.

Bulk depositions and surface soil were collected in a suburban area, near the Adriatic Sea, in order to assess the contribution of a municipal solid waste incinerator to the area's total contamination with polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDDs and PCDFs). Samples were collected at two sites, situated in the area most affected by plant emissions (according to the results of the Calpuff air dispersion model), and at an external site, considered as a reference. Results show that the studied area is subject to low contamination, as far as these compounds are concerned. Deposition fluxes range from 14.3 pg m(-2)d(-1) to 89.9 pg m(-2)d(-1) (0.75 pg-TEQ m(-2)d(-1) to 3.73 pg-TEQ m(-2)d(-1)) and no significant flow differences are observed among the three monitored sites. Total soil concentration amounts to 93.8 ng kg(-1) d.w. and 1.35 ng-TEQ kg(-1)d.w, on average, and confirms a strong homogeneity in the studied area. Furthermore, from 2006 to 2009, no PCDD/Fs enrichment in the soil was noticed. Comparing the relative congener distributions in environmental samples with those found in stack emissions from the incineration plant, significant differences are observed in the PCDD:PCDF ratio and in the contribution of the most chlorinated congeners. From this study we can conclude that the incineration plant is not the main source of PCDD/Fs in the studied area, which is apparently characterized by a homogeneous and widespread contamination situation, typical of an urban area.

The primary objective of this study is to assess anthropogenic impacts on the environment by determination of element atmospheric depositions. Bulk depositions were collected monthly, from June 2002 to December 2006, at three urban locations in Belgrade. Concentrations of Al, V. Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and the current deposition fluxes of atmospheric metals were established. Fourier analysis was applied in order to investigate seasonal variation of the monthly data set. Nickel, V. Fe and Al showed pronounced seasonal dependence, while seasonal variation of the other elements was not evident. The enrichment factors of Pb. Zn, Cd and Cu were obviously above those who could have been caused by natural processes, indicating a mainly anthropogenic origin. Nickel was intermediately enriched suggesting participation of both natural and anthropogenic sources. The multivariate receptor model, Unmix, was used to analyze a 5-yr element atmospheric depositions data set. Three main source profiles (mixed road dust, oil combustion and metal processing) were identified and the overall average percentage source contributions determined. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nitrogen (N) deposition in China has been dramatically enhanced by anthropogenic emissions and has aroused great concerns of its impacts on forest ecosystems. This study synthesized data on ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) contents in bulk precipitation and throughfall from 38 forest stands in published literature to assess the status and characteristics of N deposition to typical forests in China between 1995 and 2010. Our results showed that ammonium dominated N deposition in this period, with a mean NH4+–N:NO3−–N ratio of ∼2.5 in bulk deposition and throughfall. Mean throughfall N deposition in China's forests was as high as 14.0 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for ammonium, 5.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for nitrate and 21.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for total inorganic N (TIN), respectively. Mean bulk deposition was 9.4 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for ammonium, 3.9 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for nitrate and 14.0 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for TIN, respectively. Canopy captured dry deposition, calculated as the difference between throughfall and bulk deposition, was thus approximately half of the bulk deposition. Spatial patterns of N deposition were in accordance with our urban hotspot hypothesis, showing a strong power-law reduction of ammonium with increasing distance to large cities but only slightly lower nitrate deposition. Our results suggest that high N deposition, especially of ammonium, exceeds critical N loads for large areas of China's forests.

Atmospheric deposition of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) was investigated near the former Black Angel Pb-Zn mine in Maarmorilik, West Greenland during 2010-2011. Thalli of the lichen Flavocetraria nivalis were transplanted from an uncontaminated site into sites near the mine and collected the following year. At 20 of the total 21 sites, concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd were significantly elevated in lichens after 1 year of transplantation compared to initial concentrations. Elevated concentrations were observed within a distance of approx. 20km from the mining area. Concentrations decreased with increasing distance from the mine and the relation was well described using a power function with a negative exponent (r2=0.90; 0.83 and 0.83 for Pb; Zn and Cd). To examine the relation between metal concentrations/uptake in lichen transplants and atmospheric bulk deposition, 10 Bergerhoff dust samplers were placed near lichen transplants and samplers and lichens were collected after a 7-weeks exposure period. A significant linear correlation was observed between metal concentrations in lichen transplants and atmospheric bulk metal deposition (r2=0.94; 0.88 and 0.89 for Pb; Zn and Cd). Combining the results and including an area distribution within a defined metal deposition area, the " annual" deposition of Pb, Zn and Cd as dust was estimated during the 2010-2011 snow-free period (~5months). The results reveal that 20years after mine closure, 770kg Pb, 3700kg Zn and 24kg Cd were still being deposited as dust per year (snow-free period only) within a distance of 20km from the mine.

In the light of global change, the necessity to monitor atmospheric depositions that have relevant effects on ecosystems is ever increasing particularly for tropical sites. For this study, atmospheric ionic depositions were measured on tropical Central Sulawesi at remote sites with both a conventional bulk water collector system (BWS collector) and with a passive ion exchange resin collector system (IER collector). The principle of IER collector to fix all ionic depositions, i.e. anions and cations, has certain advantages referring to (1) post-deposition transformation processes, (2) low ionic concentrations and (3) low rainfall and associated particulate inputs, e.g. dust or sand. The ionic concentrations to be measured for BWS collectors may easily fall below detection limits under low deposition conditions which are common for tropical sites of low land use intensity. Additionally, BWS collections are not as independent from the amount of rain fallen as are IER collections. For this study, the significant differences between both collectors found for nearly all measured elements were partly correlated to the rainfall pattern, i.e. for calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. However, the significant differences were, in most cases, not highly relevant. More relevant differences between the systems were found for aluminium and nitrate (434–484 %). Almost five times higher values for nitrate clarified the advantage of the IER system particularly for low deposition rate which is one particularity of atmospheric ionic deposition in tropical sites of extensive land use. The monthly resolution of the IER data offers new insights into the temporal distribution of annual ionic depositions. Here, it did not follow the tropical rain pattern of a drier season within generally wet conditions. peerReviewed

Wet-only, dry-only, bulk deposition and deposition of sedimentary particles and gases deposited after the last rain (DAR) were collected weekly at La Castanya station in the Montseny mountains (NE Spain, 41°46′N, 2°21′E) from February 2009 to July 2010. These samples were analysed for pH, alkalinity, and the concentrations of major ions (Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NH4 +). Significant differences were observed between bulk and wet-only precipitation, with an enrichment of ions associated to coarse particles in bulk deposition. The comparison between wet and dry fluxes revealed that the removal of compounds at Montseny occurred mainly by wet deposition, which accounted for 74 % of total deposition. The dry flux was characterised by the predominance of K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+, which are related to coarse particles. Bulk collection methods at Montseny were considered representative of total atmospheric deposition, since bulk deposition plus DAR accounted for 97 % of total deposition measured with wet and dry-only collection devices. Thus, bulk deposition collectors can be recommended for deposition networks at remote sites (lacking electricity connection) in environments, where coarse particles are a predominant fraction of the aerosol mass.

Ambient air and bulk deposition samples were collected between June 2008 and June 2009. Eighty-three polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were targeted in the samples. The average gas and particle PCB concentrations were found as 393 +/- 278 and 70 +/- 102 pg/m(3), respectively, and 85% of the atmospheric PCBs were in the gas phase. Bulk deposition samples were collected by using a sampler made of stainless steel. The average PCB bulk deposition flux value was determined as 6,020 +/- 4,350 pg/m(2) day. The seasonal bulk deposition fluxes were not statistically different from each other, but the summer flux had higher values. Flux values differed depending on the precipitation levels. The average flux value in the rainy periods was 7,480 +/- 4,080 pg/m(2) day while the average flux value in dry periods was 5,550 +/- 4,420 pg/m(2) day. The obtained deposition values were lower than the reported values given for the urban and industrialized areas, yet close to the ones for the rural sites. The reported deposition values were also influenced by the type of the instruments used. The average dry deposition and total deposition velocity values calculated based on deposition and concentration values were found as 0.23 +/- 0.21 and 0.13 +/- 0.13 cm/s, respectively.

Background, aim and scopeMurano's glass-makers have held a monopoly on quality glass-making for centuries known all over the world. Artistic glass manufacture entails exposure to complex mixtures of pollutants, including metals. A few studies have reported high levels of trace elements in marine waters, sediments and mussels around Murano and shown that emissions from Murano glass-making workshops significantly influence air quality in the Venice area. Nevertheless, to date, there is very little information on atmospheric concentrations and virtually none on atmospheric deposition fluxes of trace elements around the island. This study presents data on the distribution of trace elements in the air and atmospheric depositions around Murano, based on a 2-year sampling period. Materials and methodsAirborne PM10 particulate matter was collected daily in the period December 2001-June 2003 (254 air samples), and atmospheric depositions were collected every 19±6 days, in the period August 2001-July 2003 (38 samples) on the roof of the Experimental Glass Laboratory on the island of Murano. All samples were analysed by ICP-MS for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se and Zn contents. ResultsAtmospheric concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn were 1-2 orders of magnitude greater on the island of Murano than in the nearest urban areas (Venice and Mestre), with values higher than those reported for European industrial sites. The atmospheric deposition fluxes of all elements were also higher in Murano than those detected by other studies in Venice and Mestre and in the Porto Marghera industrial zone, with As, Cd, Sb and Se 1-2 orders of magnitude higher. Discussion In order to study the spatial variability of the atmospheric fall-out, data from other sampling stations belonging to Venice atmospheric deposition monitoring networks were used. A decreasing gradient from Murano to the closer leeward stations was observed for As, Cd and Se. Pb and Zn deposition fluxes in Venice were also compa-rable to those observed in the Porto Marghera industrial zone, thus, indicating a similar or even higher level of contamination. Principal component analysis confirmed significant contamination from the glassworks. Conclusions As shown by our study, atmospheric loadings of metals around Murano are significant. These observa-tions confirm that emissions from Murano also significantly influence atmospheric deposition in the Venice area. Specifically, the mean daily Cd flux in the most affected area, which includes the whole of the historic city centre of Venice, is ~18 µg m -2 day -1, i.e. more than 65 times higher than the Dutch limit and more than three times higher than that of Germany. Recommendations and perspectivesOn the basis of our data, there is a clear-cut need for remedial action in the Lagoon of Venice. Monitoring is indispensable, so that the efficacy of remedial measures can be evaluated and appropriate information about risks for human health and well-being can be made available. The atmospheric compartment must also be considered by Italian and european law which, until now, has not yet established any standard for atmospheric deposition.

Dry deposition fluxes and total (gas+particle) concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured between August 2004 and May 2005. Samples were collected from an urban-industrial site of Bursa, Turkey. A stainless steel pot and a high volume air sampler (HVAS) were employed to collect deposition and ambient air samples, respectively. The dry deposition fluxes of PCBs ranged from 3,600 to 56,000 pg m(-2) d(-1) while the total PCB concentrations collected simultaneously were between 35 and 348 pg m(-3). The average dry deposition flux value was in line with the previously reported values. Possible variations in PCB fluxes were likely due to PCB and total suspended particle (TSP) concentrations, and meteorological conditions. No seasonal trends were observed for the bulk deposition samples. The 3- and 4- chlorobiphenyls (CBs) were abundant homolog groups in bulk and concentration samples with ratios of 67% and 90%, respectively. Apparent bulk deposition velocities were calculated by dividing the dry deposition flux value by particle phase air concentration values of PCBs measured with HVAS. The calculated apparent dry deposition velocities ranged from 0.23 cm s(-1) to 3.09 cm s(-1) (aver +/- SD, 0.74 +/- 0.23 cm s(-1)).

International audience; Total atmospheric deposition, i.e. both wet and dry ones, was sampled during three different sampling periods between 1994 and 2002. The aim of this study is to determine the temporal variation of the atmospheric deposition fluxes of four heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in an urban area (Paris region, France). The global pattern shows a decrease of the fluxes for most of elements during this period. Indeed, the atmospheric deposition fluxes measured in 2001–2002 were lower than those measured during the 1994–1997 period by factors reaching 16, 2.5, 4 and 7.5 at Créteil and 7, 1, 6 and 4.5 at Chatou for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively. At the Paris site, the decreasing factors were 2.5 and 3 for Cd and Pb, respectively while Cu and Zn fluxes were nearly similar during the whole studied period.

The moss Bryum radiculosum (Brid.), a species typical of dry and coastal environments, was used as a bioindicator for the estimation of atmospheric trace metal deposition around the industrial site of Portoscuso (Sardinia, Italy), which includes a lead-zinc smelter, two power plants, and aluminium production factories. For Cd, Pb, Zn, and V the results showed very similar patterns with extremely high values in the immediate surroundings of the industrial area. Copper and Cr showed somewhat different patterns, but still pointing to local pollution sources. The levels of metals at distance of about 13 km from the industrial site were still higher than in background samples. In order to evaluate the suitability of B. radiculosum for monitoring studies, trace metal concentrations in moss were compared with bulk deposition measurements in the same area. Correlation was significant only for Pb, Cd, and Zn. For Cr, Cu, and V the results showed high variability, mainly to be ascribed to soil factors.

This study provides data on the presence of the pesticides atrazine, chlorpyrifos, α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, flutriafol, malathion and metolachlor in water matrices in urban and rural areas of Campo Verde and Lucas do Rio Verde Cities, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Surface, rain, and groundwater samples were collected in the rainy and dry seasons during 2007 and 2008 in these important grain-producing areas. The findings revealed a higher diversity of compounds and frequency of detection in the rain water than in surface and groundwater samples. Concentrations of atrazine, endosulfan and malathion above those permitted by Brazilian regulations were found in some surface and groundwater samples, and the degradation products DIA (deisopropylatrazine) and endosulfan sulfate, rather than their parental compounds, were found at higher levels in some samples. Our findings show the vulnerability of water systems in these areas and point to the risk of pesticide contamination in important headwater streams. Este estudo fornece dados sobre a presença dos pesticidas atrazina, clorpirifós, α-endossulfam, β-endossulfam, flutriafol, malatiom e metolacloro em água de áreas urbanas e rurais das cidades de Campo Verde e Lucas do Rio Verde, no estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil. Amostras de água superficial, de chuva e subterrânea foram coletadas nas estações de seca e chuva em 2007 e 2008 nessas importantes áreas produtoras de grãos. Os resultados revelaram maior diversidade de substâncias e frequência de detecção em amostras de água de chuva. Concentrações de atrazina, endossulfam e malatiom foram encontradas acima dos níveis permitidos pela legislação brasileira em algumas amostras de água superficial e subterrânea, e os metabólitos DIA (de-isopropil-atrazina) e endossulfam sulfato foram encontrados em níveis maiores do que os compostos parentais em algumas amostras. Nossos resultados demonstram a vulnerabilidade dos recursos hídricos nessas áreas e apontam para o risco de contaminação de áreas de nascentes de importantes córregos por pesticidas.