ATMOSPHERIC VERSUS RIVER INPUTS OF METALS TO THE GULF OF LIONS - TOTAL CONCENTRATIONS, PARTITIONING AND FLUXES

This study assesses the significance of the atmospheric input of trace metals as compared to the Rhone river input into the Northern part of the Western Mediterranean directly influenced by this river. For most dissolved metals, atmospheric input is higher than dissolved riverine inputs. Atmospheric particulate input increases rapidly as one moves seaward from the river mouth. It shows the predominance of dissolved over particulate fractions in rain for all studied trace metals, except iron. Dry and wet fallout are equivalent for Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb; in the case of Al, Cd, and Fe, dry fallout is predominant. However, total atmospheric input of particulate metals (scavenged by the wet fallout and deposited as dry fallout) represents at least 70% of total atmospheric fallout.