Manganese exists in mainly two oxidation states in the atmosphere, Mn(II) and Mn(IV).
Divalent manganese, Mn(II), is a soluble oxidation state whereas tetravalent manganese,
Mn(IV), is found as a particulate. Mn(II) is therefore found in higher concentrations in
rainwater. Manganese is released into the atmosphere by natural and anthropogenic sources.
Rainwater is thought to be a main removal mechanism for atmospheric manganese. The
concentration and speciation of manganese were determined in rainwater from Wilmington, NC,
from April 2, 2005 to March 24, 2006. Volume weighted averages for Mntotal, Mn(II), and
Mn(IV) were 11 ± 3 nM, 11 ± 3 nM, and 1.2 ± 0.4 nM respectively.
All manganese species were present in all seasons with higher concentrations of Mntotal
and Mn(II) in winter relative to summer season with no significant difference in Mn(IV) between
seasons. All manganese species were considerably lower during the fall. Concentrations of
Mntotal and Mn(II) were higher in terrestrial storms relative to marine storms with no significant
difference in Mn(IV) between storm types. Diurnal variation was seen where Mntotal and Mn(II)
concentrations were lowest during the afternoon hours when Mn(IV) was at a maximum. Mn(II)
and Mn(IV) concentrations were not correlated with one another. Mn(IV) showed a positive
correlation with Fepart whereas Mn(II) correlated with Fediss and Fepart. A positive correlation was
observed between Mn(II) and the pollutant indicators H+, NO3
-, and NSS. No correlation was
observed for Mn(IV) and the pollutant indicators. Highest concentrations of manganese species
occurred in small volume rains and lowest concentrations in high volume.
Atmospheric global inputs by natural and anthropogenic sources, 3.28 x 1011 g per year
or 6.0 x 109 moles per year, as compared to calculated total global flux of manganese removed
via wet deposition, 2.47 x 1011 g per year or 4.5 x 109 moles per year, suggests that approximately 75% of atmospheric Mn is removed by wet deposition with the remaining 25%
removed by dry deposition
