Wet Deposition Fluxes and Related Atmospheric Chemistry at Three Sites in Mexico

Wet deposition was collected in Mexico City (MC), Metropolitan Area of Monterrey (MAM) and El Chico National Park (ECNP), during 2009 and 2010. pH, conductivity, Cl-, , Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were determined. In MC, sulphate levels were greater than nitrate levels, and NH4 had mixed sources (vehicular emissions and agriculture activities). MAM had markedly alkaline atmospheric deposition, Na+ and Cl-levels were unexpectedly high, especially during hurricane “Alex”. Low pH values were found in ECNP and nitrate concentrations were high, suggesting the influence of a local source (forest fires). Deposition fluxes (Kg.ha-1yr-1) for N-NO3, N-NH4 and S-SO4 were 1.36, 2.74 and 4.84 for MAM; 7.27, 0.57 and 4.32 for ECNP; and 5.97, 4.96 and 6.78 for MC, respectively. Nitrogen deposition fluxes in ECNP were high considering that this site is a natural reserve.