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Chemical quality of precipitation at Greenville, Maine

Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4037
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri864037

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Abstract

Weekly composite precipitation samples were collected at a rural site located in Greenville, Maine for analysis of trace metals and organic compounds. Samples collected during February 1982, through May 1984, were analyzed for cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc and during February 1982, through March 1983, for chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides, pthalate ester plasticizers, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Deposition rates were computed. Data reported by the NADP (National Atmospheric Deposition Program) was used to evaluate the general chemical quality of the precipitation. The precipitation had relatively high concentrations of hydrogen ions, sulfate, and nitrate, compared to other constituents. Of the trace metals included for analysis, only copper, lead, and zinc were consistently detected. Lead concentrations exceeded the U.S. EPA recommended limit for domestic water supply in three samples. High deposition rates for some of the metals were episodic. Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane was the only organic compound that was consistently detected (maximum 120 nanograms/L). None of the other organic compounds were detected in any of the samples. (Author 's abstract)

Suggested Citation

Smath, J., Potter, T., 1987, Chemical quality of precipitation at Greenville, Maine: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4037, vi, 54 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri864037.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Chemical quality of precipitation at Greenville, Maine
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 86-4037
DOI 10.3133/wri864037
Year Published 1987
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description vi, 54 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details