Distribution and Composition of Aerosol Particles in Rainfall over the Coast of the Kaliningrad Oblast

Abstract

The results of studying the concentration and composition of aerosol particles washed out by rainfalls in the coastal zone of the southeastern Baltic Sea are presented. Investigations were carried out in 2008–2015. It is shown that aerosol material is represented by mineral, biogenic, and anthropogenic particles, and its average concentration in rainwater samples is 5.0 mg/l. Mineral particles are found in all samples, their maximum content is detected in summer. It is noted that biogenic material in the form of plant fibers, detritus, spores, and pollen prevailed in spring and summer. The highest concentration of anthropogenic particles is registered in autumn. The dominating particles are soot, fly ash, and combustion spheres released to the atmosphere from metallurgical and mining enterprises and thermal power plants.