CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOLS IN A RURAL SITE OF NORTHWESTERN ANATOLIA

Aerosol samples were collected daily at a rural mountainous site of no rthwestern Anatolia during September 1993-April 1994. Concentrations o f SO42-, NO3-, Cl-, NH4+, Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ have been determined. Sulfate made up the 30% analyzed aerosol mass with a 2.14 mu gm(-3) a verage concentration. Measured concentrations were comparable with oth er rural area data except Ca2+ which was higher in our station with an average concentration of 1.12 mu gm(-3). Monthly concentrations of ma jor ions fluctuate depending on meteorological factors, seasons and so urce strengths. Saharan dust storms affected the sampling site especia lly in autumn and spring seasons. Wind sector analysis indicated that the most important source regions were located both to the south and n orth of the station. However, air masses from southerly direction at w hich a power plant is located have been concluded to bring the greates t amount of anthropogenic pollutants to the sampling site. (C) 1997 El sevier Science Ltd.