Research Areas > Contaminants > Atmospheric Deposition

Research Area: Atmospheric Deposition

Atmospheric deposition occurs when pollutants suspended in the air are transferred to the earth's surface. It may be a significant source of pollutants to waterbodies in southern California. Pollutants can pass directly into waterbodies through rain and snow, falling particles, or the absorption of the gases into water. They may also be deposited over land and transported to waterbodies via runoff.
 

SCCWRP Research

SCCWRP is working to provide data on atmospheric deposition (specific to southern California) for a number of constituents (potential pollutants) such as trace metals (copper, zinc, lead), hydrophobic organic compounds (DDT, PCB, PAH), and nutrients (iron, nitrogen, phosphorus). These data can help provide better estimates of the atmospheric contribution to pollution loadings in aquatic systems. Research will also assist in creating more effective management tools, such as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), to achieve and maintain water quality that is protective of beneficial uses.

Atmospheric deposition research projects include:

• Atmospheric Deposition of Trace Metals - Features data on atmospheric deposition rates across a range of sites in southern California (e.g., coastal, urban, rural), along with watershed/stormwater loading and sources.
• Atmospheric Contribution of Organic Compounds to Selected Southern California Waterbodies - Features data on direct atmospheric loading to selected waterbodies (including Los Angeles Harbor) through dry particle deposition and gas exchange.
• Atmospheric Nutrient Deposition - Planned projects to quantify the contribution of atmospheric deposition to nitrogen and phosphorus budgets for estuaries and coastal waters.