Partial neutralization of rain by seaspray: The case of Recôncavo, Bahia—Brazil

Abstract

In the Recôncavo of Bahia (located between 121330 and 131100S and 381000and 391000W), there are significant discharges of SO2 and NOx due to local, industrial and urban activities. The incoming air masses from the Atlantic Ocean are enriched with seaspray, which neutralizes part of the rain acidity. The extent of seaspray neutralization of rain acidity was quantified in four sites of the region, each with different loads of seaspray. Rain samples were obtained daily at the same time, integrating the precipitation of the previous 24 h, using wet-only collectors and analyzed for pH by potentiometry and for sodium by flame photometry. The amount of rain acidity in Recoˆ ncavo neutralized by seaspray ranged from o1% up to 88% and depended on the site. On average, neutralization ranged from 5% to 18%. r 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.