Atmospheric element input in the Eastern Ore Mountains

The element input by atmospheric deposition to the 104 km2 catchment of the Rote Weißeritz, Saxonia, Germany, was regularly monitored from 1992 to 1994. Median values for bulk deposition are: H+ 0.57 Na+, 3.5 K+ 2.5, Ca2+ 4.6, Mg2+ 1.1, NH4+ <7, F− <0.9, Cl− 6.3, PO43− <4, NO3− 5.2, SO42− 14.7, Al3+ 0.54, Fe3+ <0.9, Mn2+ <0.4, Zn2+ 0.27 (kg ha−1 a−1) and Cd <0.9, Co < <4, Cr<4, Cu <18, Ni <9, Pb 36 (g ha−1 a−1). The atmospheric input data are comparable with other data from central Europe and show the same trend of declining concentrations for many components. A comparison of the given concentrations with local drinking water and the German drinking-water standards illustrates the severe threat to local wells by contaminated ground- and surface-water, especially in respect to pH, Al, and to a lesser degress Fe, Mn, Cd, and Pb. According to a first mass balance, Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu are in import-export equilibrium within the catchment. Cadmium is being exported at a higher rate whereas Pb is retained in the system and most probably stays with Pb-organic complexes in soils and sediments.