A preliminary approach of the spatio-temporal distribution of cationic aerosol components in the ambient atmosphere of Kochi, India

Özet

Kochi City, situated in the vicinity of the industrial hub and marine niche, is significantly loaded withionic compounds and get into the atmospheric aerosols which deteriorate the health status of theenvironment. The distribution of both acid and water extractable cations (Naþ, NH4þ, Kþ, Mg2þ and Ca2þ)with respect to time and space, in the two phases (I and II) were performed at distinct sites of Kochi,Kerala, India. The study revealed that the water soluble Naþ ion is highlighted in the estuarine site (E1)with momentous load at the coastal site (C1) implying the sea salt influence at these two sites. Theaverage NH4þ and Kþ concentration (acid and water soluble fractions) recorded is mostly at the industrialsite (R2) which may be endorsed due to the application of NPK fertilizers and also from the process ofwood burning sources. Further, Kþ is the prominent acid and water soluble cation recorded in the study.Mg2þ ion having both oceanic and anthropogenic origin contributes the present observed pollution load.Average acid soluble Ca2þ content is noted maximum at the estuarine spot E1, where as the hike withrespect to water soluble fraction of this ion is noticed at the industrial site, R2. These inferences justifythe influence of point sources such as industrial, crustal and construction related activities affecting inand around this metropolis.