Characteristics of inorganic ions in deposited snow around Hirosaki, Aomori

Abstract

Environmental research institutes belonging to prefectural governments are collaborating to create publically open database of nation-wide wet deposition. We are continuing sampling and analysis of inorganic ions in wet deposition in Tsugaru, Aomori area. Wet deposition in Tsugaru, Aomori area shows higher nitrate/non-sea salt sulfate ratio than the national average. To identify the cause of different nitrate/non-sea salt sulfate ratio, sampling and analysis of deposited snow in the mountainous area near Hirosaki city. The nitrate/non-sea salt sulfate ratios in the deposited snow samples were similar to the wet deposition samples of the urban sampling sites, which suggests an existence of local emission source of nitrate. Deposited snow samples at Mt. Iwaki showed the supply of mineral source having higher Mg/Ca ratio than the national average.