Pilot network for metals in wet deposition
Stephen Vermette, M.E. Peden, Timothy C. Willoughby, Steve E. Lindberg, Anderson Weiss · OSTI OAI (U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information) · 1992
Work reported in this paper describes efforts to establish a pilot network for metals (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Zn) in precipitation that is compatible with the larger National Atmospheric Deposition Program / National Trends Network (NADP/NTN). This includes development and evaluation of protocols for: (1) collection devices; (2) sample handling (field and laboratory); (3) chemical analysis; and (4) operator training. The pilot network was designed at two levels: (1) network operation, based on perceived `best methods`; and (2) evaluation of a number of alternative designs and protocols. An illustration of using `best methods` is the exclusive use of Teflon surfaces and bottles for sample collection and storage. Teflon has been shown to contain low levels of metals and is a preferred material for storage containers, especially recommended for H and Zn. At the conclusion of one year of sampling, recommendations are to be made regarding the implementation of a national network. Numerical results presented in this paper are considered preliminary, and include only the Spring/Summer 1991 season.