Chemical composition of rainwater at three sites in Kandy/Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and its effect on air pollution

A study analyzing rainwater composition at three sites in Kandy, Sri Lanka, revealed that the city center exhibited the highest levels of air pollution, with chloride (Cl−) and sulfate (SO4²⁻) being dominant anions. No acid rain was detected during the 11-month sampling period from February to December 2019. Trace metals followed a consistent sequence across sites: zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb). Significant correlations were observed between conductivity, salinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in all sites, while specific metal correlations varied by location. The research highlights the need for continuous rainwater monitoring to assess air pollution in Sri Lanka.

Madhushani, L. S., Dharmapriya, T. N., Dharaka, B. D. P., Deeyamulla, M. P., & Priyantha, N. (2023). Chemical composition of rainwater at three sites in Kandy/Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and its effect on air pollution. Energy Nexus, 12, 100243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2023.100243