Measurement of dry deposition to bulk precipitation collectors using a novel flushing sampler

Cape, John Neil; van Dijk, Netty; Tang, Yuk Sim. 2009 Measurement of dry deposition to bulk precipitation collectors using a novel flushing sampler. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 11 (2). 353-358. 10.1039/B813812E

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Abstract/Summary

Bulk precipitation samplers, which are continuously open, also sample gases and particles deposited on the funnel surface. Wet-only samplers, which open only during precipitation, avoid this problem, but can be bulky (leading to disruption of air flow and droplet collection) and need electrical power. We describe here a simple battery-powered modification to a standard bulk sampler that allows the separate measurement of deposition to the funnel surface and wet deposition by washing the funnel surface when precipitation is detected. Comparison of this design with a standard bulk sampler over 3 months at a site in eastern Scotland showed that dry deposition to the funnel surface contributed around 20% of sulphate, 20-30% of nitrate and 20-40% of ammonium ions. There was also a significant loss of ammonium and nitrate in the modified sampler, presumably in the tubing, even though a biocide had been added to the sample bottles. This observation has implications for bulk samplers of similar design, with a sample bottle at ground level. Deposition of sea salts and calcium was greater to the flushing collectors than to the bulk collectors, implying that regular cleaning of funnel surfaces with 10% methanol solution subtly alters the capture efficiency for larger particles.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1039/B813812E
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biogeochemistry > BG02 Recovery from acidification and eutrophication CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biogeochemistry > BG01 Measuring and modelling trace gas, aerosol and carbon
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Billett (to November 2013)
ISSN:	1464-0325
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	The definitive version of this paper is available at www.rsc.org
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Atmospheric Sciences
Date made live:	13 Mar 2009 15:08 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/3787

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