Wet Deposition in the Cross-Border Region Between Turkey and Bulgaria: Chemical Analysis in View of Cyclone Paths

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study precipitation chemistry in the cross-border region between Turkey and Bulgaria, situated on the south-eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. A total of 115 wet deposition samples were collected and analysed for pH values and major ions (Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, NH4+, Cl-, NO3-, and SO42-) throughout the summer and autumn seasons of 2014. The enrichment factor analysis and non-sea salt estimates were conducted to determine the possible sources of ions in the wet deposition for the sampling period. The trajectories of the cyclones affecting the area during the study period were also analysed by separating them in different groups. The minimum, average and maximum pH values for the first group of cyclones (CG1) are 4.30, 6.04, 7.40, and 4.00, 6.14, 7.43 for the second group cyclones (CG2), respectively. The non-sea salt fractions of the K+ ion were found to be 0.94 in CG1 and 0.90 in CG2. Also, the Mg2+ ion in CG1 and CG2 is 44% and 60% of the sea salt source.