An Analysis of the Representative Composition of Rainwater at Six Locations in Hong Kong

摘要: A 3-year weekly data set on the ionic composition of rainwater from 6 sampling sites in Hong Kong representing 1990-92 period was resolved employing factor analysis. Two-to-three factors explaining cumulative variances 78-93% total 9 parameters studied are utilised interpretation. The procedure is repeated screened sets obtained basis, among other constraints, a cut-off ion balance 15%. results indicate that: (i) 'mixed' (residential-industrial) area, Central-Western has 7- membered 'degenerate' first which fails to resolve into smaller groups; (ii) quasi-rural site, Junk Bay partially neutralised acid (PNA) and pure sea salt (SS) component; (iii) two mainly residential areas, South - whose resemble those for industrial Kwun Tong Tai Po have third containing potassium, additional chloride, respectively. latter factor, V/W, believed be due burning vegetation/waste incineration similar only that Kwai Chung. On hand, process screening no effect factorial sequence or make-up, except cases locations, where order their swapped different factors; and, case one them, variable (ion) shifts its loading upon screening. Finally, stepwise multiple regression corroborates our earlier provisional conclusion free acidity also contributed by acids than H2SO4 HNO3, possibly oxalic, formic acetic acids, some others.