A regional acidic cloud/fog water event in the eastern United States

摘要: Cloud and fog water constitutes an important hydrological input to specific ecosystems1–3. Recently, questions have been raised about the chemical composition of clouds with reference their potential role in adding chemicals such as nutrients, mineral acids trace metals ecosystems. There are few data on chemistry cloud water; those that exist suggest generally low pH values high concentrations major inorganic cations, anions metals4–7, especially when compared rain collected from same or nearby locations8,9. Here we present first analysis a widespread, episodic cloud/fog event, using samples during August 1984 at six non-urban sites eastern United States. The was extremely (2.8–3.09) sulphate nitrate were 7–43 times greater than for average precipitation four sites, higher previously reported This suggests may add ecologically significant amounts pollutants nutrients many ecosystems region.