Chemical Composition and Seasonal Variation of Acid Deposition in Chiang Mai, Thailand

This study aims to determine the chemical composition and seasonal variation of atmospheric acid deposition in order to identify possible sources contributing to precipitation. Sampling and analysis of 132 wet deposition samples were carried out from January to December 2008 at Mae Hia Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province. Total precipitation was 1,286.7 mm. Mean electro-conductivity and pH values were 0.94 mS/m and 6.27, respectively. Major cations ($Na^+$, ${NH_4}^+$, $K^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, and $Mg^{2+}$) and major anions ($HCOO^-$, $CH_3COO^-$, $Cl^-$, ${NO_3}^-$, and ${SO_4}^{2-}$) were determined by Ion Chromatography. The relative volume weight mean concentrations of anions, in descending order, were ${SO_4}^{2-}$ > ${NO_3}^-$ > $Cl^-$ > $CH_3COO^-$ > $HCOO^-$ and those of cations were $NH_4^+$ > $Ca^{2+}$ > $Mg^{2+}$ > $K^{+}$ > $Na^+$. Results of a principle component analysis highlighted the influence of various possible sources of ions such as agricultural activity, fuel combustion, marine sources, soil resuspension, and biomass burning.