The fallout from fireworks: Perchlorate in total deposition

Jennie Munster, Gilbert N. Hanson, W. Andrew Jackson, Srinath Rajagopalan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that natural perchlorate may be an important component to the general population exposure. These studies indicate that natural perchlorate is likely deposited by atmospheric deposition. Perchlorate concentration of total (dry + wet) deposition is relatively unstudied yet these measurements will aid in understanding natural levels in the environment. We sampled total deposition monthly at six sites in Suffolk County, Long Island, NY from November 30, 2005 until July 5, 2007. The mean perchlorate concentration is 0.21∈±∈0.04 (standard error) μg L-1 with a maximum value of 2.78 μg L-1 . Here we show up to an 18-fold increase above the mean concentration in July 2006 and July 2007 samples. It appears that this increase in perchlorate in total deposition is associated with Fourth of July fireworks.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)149-153
Number of pages5
JournalWater, Air, and Soil Pollution
Volume198
Issue number1-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2009

Keywords

  • Fireworks
  • Groundwater
  • New York
  • Perchlorate
  • Precipitation

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