Chemical characteristics of atmospheric aerosols in a rural site of northwestern Anatolia

Aerosol samples were collected daily at a rural mountainous site of northwestern Anatolia during September 1993–April 1994. Concentrations of SO 4 2−, NO 3 −, Cl −1, NH 4 +, Na +, K +, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ have been determined. Sulfate made up the 30% analyzed aerosol mass with a 2.14 μm −3 average concentration. Measured concentrations were comparable with other rural area data except Ca 2+ which was higher in our station with an average concentration of 1.12 μg m −3 Monthly concentrations of major ions fluctuate depending on meteorological factors, seasons and source strengths. Saharan dust storms affected the sampling site especially in autumn and spring seasons. Wind sector analysis indicated that the most important source regions were located both to the south and north of the station. However, air masses from southerly direction at which a power plant is located have been concluded to bring the greatest amount of anthropogenic pollutants to the sampling site.