Chemical composition and source identification of rainwater constituents at an urban site in Xi’an.

Major ions, pH and electric conductivity (EC) in rainwater samples collected from June 2011 to July 2012 were analyzed to evaluate chemical characteristics and source apportionment of rainwater in Xi’an, a city located on the loess deposits. The rainwater was slightly alkaline with a daily volume-weighted mean (VWM) pH of 7.7, which ranged from 7.4 to 8.4. The VWM concentrations of major ions followed the order of Ca²⁺ > SO₄²⁻ > NH₄⁺ > NO₃⁻ > Cl⁻ > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Mg²⁺ > F⁻. Ca²⁺ and SO₄²⁻ dominated in cations and anions, respectively. Investigations of neutralization factors indicated that the acidity of rainwater in Xi’an was neutralized by NH₄⁺ and Ca²⁺, which presented relatively higher neutralization capability than cities in southern China. The back trajectory analysis showed that the chemistry of rainwater in Xi’an is influenced by local pollutions sources and soil dust in local and remote area. Large inputs of soil dust and coal combustion during the winter and spring led to higher values of major ions and pH values during dry seasons than wet seasons. The principal factor analysis, correlation analysis, and source apportionment indicated that SO₄²⁻ and NO₃⁻ were from anthropogenic sources, while Ca²⁺, K⁺, and Mg²⁺ were from crust fractions. The estimated annual wet depositions for sulfur, nitrogen, and calcium were 3.9, 1.5, and 4.2 t/km², respectively. Although rainwater acidity in Xi’an was mainly caused by H₂SO₄, the contribution of HNO₃ will be enhanced due to increasing NO_x and relatively stable SO₂ emissions in the future. The high concentrations of EC, SO₄²⁻, and NO₃⁻ in rainwater indicated Xi’an is severely polluted. To improve air quality in Xi’an, simultaneous reduction of particle emissions and fossil fuel and vehicles emissions are worthy of advocating. The results have implications for identification of potential sources in rainwater and for evaluation of air quality improvement in Xi’an and other similar cities in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]