Estimation of atmospheric inorganic water-soluble aerosols in the western region of Bahrain by ion chromatography

Dry fall aerosol particulate matter was collected in the western rural area of Bahrain. The collection was carried out using an open beaker trap of deionized water placed on the roof of an 8 m high building in seven villages representing the area under study. The water-soluble matter was analyzed for its chemical components by ion chromatography. The data obtained were in good correlation with the meteorological and surface features of Bahrain. The sizes of 108 randomly chosen particles, measured with a photomicrographic microscope, ranged between 6 and 230 μm. The latter value gives an indication that most of these particles were soil-derived.