Rainfall trace metals at urban and rural areas of Cuba

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Rosemary López Lee

Abstract

Rainfall plays a major role in the removal of trace metals that dissolve mainly at acidic pH, resulting in polluted rain affecting ecosystems and human health. The aim of this study was to determine the trace elements composition of precipitation in urban and rural sites of Cuba. Rainwater samples were collected f-rom two urban monitoring stations and rural five monitoring stations during the period November 2008-October 2009. The quantification of the elements was performed by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. For the first time trace elements were determined: Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, Co, Ni, Pb in rains of Cuba. In Pinares de Mayari, rural station showed the highest rates of deposition of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Se and Co. The calculation of enrichment factors determined that the elements Ba, Pb and Se probably have an anthropogenic origin precisely for those locations considered industrialized areas or under the direct influence of industrialized areas.

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How to Cite
López LeeR. (2013). Rainfall trace metals at urban and rural areas of Cuba. Revista Cubana De Meteorología, 19(1), 83-88. Retrieved from http://rcm.insmet.cu/index.php/rcm/article/view/146
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Original Articles