Publications

Chemical Composition and Source Characterization of Hailstones in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Rasheda Aktar Samiha, Morshad Ahmed, Mohammad Shohel, Abdus Salam

Published 2018
Journal Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection
Volume 06
Issue 09
Pages 71-82
Publisher Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.
DOI 10.4236/gep.2018.69006

Source apportionment and emission sources Urban and indoor air quality in Dhaka

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis on the chemical composition and source apportionment of hailstone samples were conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh. pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), water soluble ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO42-, NO3-, HCO3-) and trace metals (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn) of hailstone were determined. The result revealed that the average pH, EC, TDS were 6.95 ± 0.54, 356.3 ± 150.6 μS·cm-1 and 17.5 ± 2.89 mg·L-1, respectively. The water soluble ions followed the order: Ca2+ > Cl-1 > SO42- > HCO3- > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ > NO3-. The concentrations of trace metals ranged in order with Zn > Fe > Cu, while the concentration of Mn was below detection limit. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was 0.20 ± 0.09 meqL-1 which indicates it is benign to plants and safe for irrigation. The order of neutralization factor (calculated with average concentrations) found in hailstone was NFCa(1.16) > NFMg (0.36) > NFK(0.32) which were originated from earth crust. Notable correlation was found in between soil tracers Ca2+ and Mg2+ (r = 0.87), indicating their common source dust. Enrichment factor analysis revealed that Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ are mainly from crust, whereas NO3- and SO42- are mainly attributable to anthropogenic origins. Further source contribution analysis revealed that anthropogenic actions accounted for 99.2% of total NO3- and 89.6% of total SO42-, while 99.2% of total Ca2+ and 95% Mg2+ were from crustal source.

Abstract © the authors, published under a CC BY licence.

Cite this

Rasheda Aktar Samiha, Morshad Ahmed, Mohammad Shohel, Abdus Salam (2018). Chemical Composition and Source Characterization of Hailstones in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 06(09), 71-82. https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2018.69006

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