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Rain
event samples have been collected at 6-sites in Egypt for the period
between 1987 and 2002. Concentrations of major anions (Cl-,
NO3- and SO4 2-) and major cations
(H+, Ca++ and NH4+) were determined
and the FTIR of some rainwater samples were assigned. Data of 137
rain samples showed that the average pH was 7.09 ± 0.39. These pH
values are fairly similar for the others recorded in north Spain,
Athens and Ankara but exceed the values recorded for many parts of
the world. Sulphate and nitrate ions are significant compounds in
rainfall over Egypt. Sulphates were mostly present as neutral or
partially acidic compounds. Acidity in rainwater was mainly
influenced by alkaline gases and basic particulate matters (mainly
ammonia and calcium) emitted from both natural and anthropogenic
sources.
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