Submitted by Angela Maria de Oliveira (amolivei@uepg.br) on 2019-03-07T12:49:34Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Jucimare Romaniw.pdf: 2025416 bytes, checksum: 7eab452c7d0cf003158cd27515e439d8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2019-03-07T12:49:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Jucimare Romaniw.pdf: 2025416 bytes, checksum: 7eab452c7d0cf003158cd27515e439d8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-06-21 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O descarte inadequado de resíduos orgânicos de abatedouros de aves e suínos pode promover a poluição ambiental. Seu uso aliado ou não a adubação mineral nas rotações de culturas no sistema de plantio direto na região dos Campos Gerais seria uma alternativa viável para o aproveitamento desse resíduo. No entanto, visando otimizar a produtividade agrícola e a qualidade ambiental, devem ser estudadas dosagens adequadas para uso, combinando perda e aumento de nutrientes, matéria orgânica e produtividade das culturas. Além disso, é de extrema importância monitorar a qualidade do solo na determinação do risco de qualidade ambiental proporcionado pelo uso de altas doses de resíduos orgânicos dispostos no solo. Assim, o experimento foi conduzido utilizando diferentes níveis de adubação de resíduos orgânicos industriais (ROI) (0, 25, 50, 75, 100% de resíduos orgânicos) combinados com adubação mineral (FMI) (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%) nas seguintes proporções 0%; 100% ROI; 100% FMI; 75% FMI + 25% ROI; 50% ROI + 50% FMI . O experimento teve início em 2009 e foi acopanhado até 2015 sob plantio direto e rotação de culturas (feijão / trigo / soja / aveia / milho / trigo). Amostras de solo foram coletadas após 5 safras para avaliações de carbono (C) e suas frações. Experimentos de laboratório para avaliar a qualidade do solo foram conduzidos para avaliar o equivalente na emissão de C-CO2, percolação e mineralização de NO3- em solo não revolvido e revolvido sob doses crescentes de ROI (0, 0,5, 1, 2, 4 e 8 Mg ha-1) em laboratório. Também foram avaliados os pools de carbono orgânico do solo (COS) compostos por C total, C orgânico permanganato oxidável e C orgânico extraível por água quente, e atributos físicos do solo através da densidade do solo, porosidade total, macroporos e microporos porosidade, e retenção de água. Os resultados indicaram que o uso de ROI e FMI + ROI têm um bom potencial no sequestro de C no solo na mitigação de CO2 sem qualquer custo adicional. Ao contrário, aumentou a produção e retorno líquido da maioria das culturas. O uso do ROI 100 reduziu a densidade do solo, aumentou a porosidade total e microporos e melhorou a estrutura do solo, resultando em melhor retenção de água e que o teor de N-NO3- tem seu potencial de disponibilidade para as plantas após 40 dias da aplicação do ROI , sendo assim indicado a aplicação do resíduo antecedendo o plantio da cultura, aproveitando assim o potencial de liberação. Assim conclui-se que o ROI proporciona aumentos no C do solo levando ao aumento da produtividade das culturas, da qualidade química e física do solo. / Inadequate disposal of organic solids from poultry and pig slaughterhouses can promote environmental pollution. Your use ally or non the mineral fertilization in rotations of wood in no-tillage system in the Campos region. However, in order to optimize agricultural productivity and environmental quality, the administration of the use variables should be studied, combining loss and increase of nutrients, organic matter and crop productivity. In addition, the quality of the soil to the extent of the environmental quality risk provided by the use of high doses of organic waste is not of the utmost importance. Thus, it was resistant to maintaining levels of industrial organic fertilization (IOW) (0, 25, 50, 75, 100% organic waste) combined with mineral fertilization (MF) (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%). The experiment started in 2009 and was harvested until 2015 under no-tillage and crop speed (beans / wheat / soybean / bird / corn / wheat). Soil samples were collected after 5 harvests for carbon (C) evaluations and their fractions. Soil Quality Laboratory Analyzers were conducted for the use of C-CO2, percolation in unroot and upturned soil and N-NO3- mineralization under increasing doses of ROI (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 an 8 Mg ha-1). The sets of CO by C, Corning permanganate oxable and C, seismic by hot water, and soil physical components were highlighted by soil density, total porosity, macro and micro porosity, and water retention. The results indicated that the use of IOW and MF + IOW had a good potential in soil C sequestration in CO2-C mitigation at any additional cost. On the contrary, it increased the yield and liquid of most crops. The use of IOW 100 reduced soil density, increased its total and micro efficiency and improved soil structure resulting in higher water retention and that N-NO3- content has its potential availability for applications after 40 days of application of the IOW , thus being designated an application of pre-planting of crop, thus taking advantage of the potential of release. Thus, it is concluded that IOW offers increases in soil performance and increases crop productivity, soil chemistry, soil physical and biological.

Title from PDF of title page. / Document formatted into pages; contains 105 pages. / Thesis (M.S.)--University of South Florida, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references. / Text (Electronic thesis) in PDF format. / ABSTRACT: Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen has been implicated in the destruction of seagrass beds and in the decline of water quality of Tampa Bay, Florida. The objective of this research was to determine the tendency for air masses of different origins to wet-deposit nitrate and ammonium species to the bay. Precipitation chemistry data was obtained via the NADP AIRMoN Gandy Bridge monitoring site for the period of 1 August 1996 through 31 December 2000. Rainfall events were classified by using the NOAA HYSPLIT trajectory model, precipitation chemistry data, and tropical storm history data. Average nitrate and ammonium concentrations and nitrogen fluxes were calculated based upon the chosen categories. The average annual nitrogen flux for nitrate and ammonium were 2.1 kg/ha/yr and 1.4 kg/ha/yr, respectively. For trajectory-classified data, the lowest nitrate and ammonium nitrogen fluxes were observed with air masses from the west and south, over the Gulf of Mexico. / ABSTRACT: The highest ammonium nitrogen flux was seen from trajectories from the east, while local trajectories demonstrated the highest average nitrate nitrogen flux. For chemically-classified data, the highest nitrate and ammonium fluxes were associated with the local combustion classification. Rainfall from tropical weather systems deposited lower average nitrate nitrogen fluxes than non-tropical events, but ammonium nitrogen fluxes were the same between tropical and non-tropical precipitation. Even the events representing the cleanest air masses contributing precipitation to Tampa Bay had nitrate and ammonium concentrations more than two times the background concentrations associated with the northern hemisphere. / System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader. / Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Concentrations of elements and ions measured in samples collected between February 1993 and December 2000 at a rural site in central Anatolia were investigated to evaluate the chemical composition of atmosphere at central Anatolia, to determine pollution level of the region, to study temporal variability of the pollutants and to investigate the sources and source regions of air pollutants in the region. Level of pollution at central Anatolia was found to be lower than the pollution level at other European countries and Mediterranean and Black Sea regions of Turkey. Enrichment factor calculations revealed that SO42-, Pb and Ca are highly enriched in the aerosol / whereas, soil component has dominating contribution on observed concentrations of V, Mg, Ca and K. SO42-/(SO2+SO42-) ratio observed in &Ccedil / ubuk station indicates that contribution of distant sources is more important than the contribution of local sources on observed SO42- levels. SO42-/NO3- ratio calculations showed that Central Anatolia is receipt of SO42- from Eastern European countries. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis revealed 6 source groups, namely motor vehicle source, mixed urban factor, long range transport factor, soil factor, NO3- factor and Cd factor. Distribution of Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) values showed that main source areas of SO42-, NH4+ and Cd are western parts of Turkey, Balkan countries, central and western Europe, central Russian Federation and north of Sweden and Finland / NO3- are the regions located around the Mediterranean Sea / and there is no very strong potential source area observed for NH3 and Pb.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T18:55:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 5571.pdf: 3484455 bytes, checksum: 718ef33aa55e8e1b4e4f22c374cbf1a9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-08-12 / Vinasse is a liquid effluent with a high organic load and it has significant concentrations of Nitrate (NO3 -) and Potassium (K⁺). It is of great interest for the sugarcane sector by reducing costs in fertilizer application. According to the technical regulation P4.231 of CETESB, the impasse in the usage of vinasse in fertigation leads the search toward new alternatives for the effluent usage and treatment. This study investigated the mobility of NO₃ and K⁺ at different depths of Oxisol and the changes in soil electrical conductivity (ECs) in the layer next to the water table. Additionally, this work evaluated whether the rate and period of vinasse application established by the technical regulation P4.231 are appropriate to minimize the risk of soil and groundwater contamination, also evaluate the residual effects of vinasse in soil columns after 6 months monitoring, in order to contribute to the improvement of P4.231. The study was conducted in 15 x 170 cm PVC columns (diameter x height). The column packing was done in order to reproduce the profile of Oxisol, mainly on the thickness and density of the layers collected. Extractors of soil solution were installed at depths of 50 cm and 100 cm from the top of the columns. In the base of the column, a drain was placed at 50 cm to collect the leached. TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) probes were installed at 120 cm to monitor soil moisture and ECs. After 15 days of saturation with distilled water, the columns received the application of vinasse in nature (V), vinasse in nature subjected to chemical treatment (Q), vinasse in nature subjected to biological treatment (B) and concentrated vinasse (C) at dose calculated by the P4.231 (1) and at duplicated dose calculated (2). The columns were subjected to a simulated rainfall based on the behavior of the rainfall in the region of Araras, SP. After collecting the solution at 50 and 100 cm and leached at 150 cm, determinations of NO3 - contents, by the method of brucine, and K+, by flame photometry, were made every 15 days for 5 months. Significant differences were observed in the levels of NO3 - and K+ in solution attributed to time, depth, type and dose of vinasse. After 45 days of the application of V1, V2, Q1, Q2, B1, B2 vinasses, the NO3 - had leached through the layer until 100 cm. The adsorption of NO3 - , which occurred in the layer until 100 cm, delayed but not prevented ion leaching to a deeper layers than 100 cm, from the 90 days, independent of the type and dose of vinasse. All vinasses, after 105 days, resulted in levels of NO3 - from 3 to 4 times greater than the maximum allowed value for the quality of groundwater (10 mg L-1). At the layer until 50 cm, all the vinasses promoted changes in the K+ solution after 30 days of application, but the application of Q2, C1, C2, and specifically B2, resulted in higher rate of K+ solution. In the layer until 50 cm, a decrease in the levels of K+ in solution was observed from 90 days. Unlike what happened with NO3 -, K+ was absorbed by surface soil layers and its leaching was avoided. Regardless of the type and dose of vinasse, there was an increase in ECs until the 15th week after application, without compromising the quality of the water. The application of vinasses in nature treated chemically and biologically resulted in higher values of ECs. The use of vinasse in nature, at the rate calculated by P4.231, resulted in lower values of NO3 - and K+ in solution, regardless of depth, thus it is recommended that the standard P4.231 should be used only for the application of vinasse in nature. It is suitable to incorporate the levels of NO3 - in the equation in order to calculate the dose of vinasse by P4.231, since the NO3 - had reached the layer at 100 cm in 45 days, i.e., an incompatible period of time with the adequate development of the sugarcane root system, allowing the leaching of NO3 - out of the root zone of influence. In general through the analysis of soil column percolation after 6 months of monitoring, it was possible to verify a residual effect of vinasse, considering all types and doses, in soil samples for the parameters Na+, K+ , and Fe3+. The K+ was retained in the 0 to 50 cm in the percolation columns. Conversely Na+, showed the highest concentrations in the depths of 80-130 cm, showing their greatest potential leaching compared to K+. / A vinhaça é um efluente líquido com alta carga orgânica e que possui importantes concentrações de nitrato (NO₃ ) e de potássio (K+), de grande interesse para o setor sucroenergético por reduzir os custos com a aplicação de fertilizantes. Impasses para o uso da vinhaça na fertirrigação, conforme a Norma Técnica P4.231 da CETESB, levam a busca de novas alternativas de uso e de tratamento do efluente. Este trabalho objetivou estudar a mobilidade de NO₃ e de K+ em diferentes profundidades de um LATOSSOLO VERMELHO Eutrófico (LVe), verificar alterações da condutividade elétrica do solo (CEs) na camada próxima ao lençol freático, avaliar se a taxa e o período de aplicação de vinhaça estabelecidos pela P4.231 estão adequados para a minimização do risco de contaminação do solo e da água subterrânea, avaliar os efeitos residuais da vinhaça no solo das colunas após 6 meses de monitoramento, além de contribuir para o aprimoramento da P4.231. O estudo foi conduzido em colunas de PVC de 150 mm de , por 170 cm de altura. O empacotamento da coluna foi feito de maneira a reproduzir o perfil de 1,5 m de um LVe, principalmente quanto à espessura e à densidade das camadas coletadas. Foram instalados extratores de solução do solo do solo, nas profundidades de 50 cm e de 100 cm a partir do topo das colunas. Na base da coluna, a 150 cm, foi colocado um dreno para coleta do lixiviado. Sondas de TDR foram instaladas a 120 cm para monitoramento da umidade volumétrica e da CEs. Após 15 dias da saturação com água destilada, as colunas receberam a aplicação de vinhaça in natura (V), vinhaça in natura submetida a tratamento químico (Q), vinhaça in natura submetida a tratamento biológico (B) e vinhaça concentrada (C), em doses equivalentes à calculada pela norma P4.231 (1) e ao dobro da calculada (2). As colunas foram submetidas a simulação da chuva com base no comportamento pluviométrico da região de Araras-SP. Após a coleta das soluções, a 50 e a 100 cm, a cada 15 dias, e do lixiviado, a 150 cm, semanalmente, foram feitas determinações dos teores de NO3 -, pelo método da brucina, e de K+, por fotometria de chama, durante 5 meses. Foram observadas diferenças significativas nos teores de NO3 - e de K+ em solução do solo atribuídas ao tempo, à profundidade e ao tipo e dose de vinhaça. Após 45 dias da aplicação de V1, V2, Q1, Q2, B1 e B2, o NO3 - lixiviou para a camada até 100 cm. A adsorção de NO3 -, que ocorreu na camada até 100 cm, retardou mas não impediu a lixiviação do íon para camadas mais profundas do que 100 cm, a partir dos 90 dias, independente do tipo e da dose de vinhaça. Todos os tratamentos com vinhaça, após 105 dias, resultaram em teores de NO3 - 3 a 4 vezes maiores no lixiviado do que o valor máximo permitido para a qualidade das águas subterrâneas (10 mg L-1). Na camada até 50 cm, todos os tratamentos com vinhaça promoveram alterações nos teores de K+ em solução do solo aos 30 dias da aplicação, mas a aplicação de Q2, C1, C2 e, principalmente, de B2, resultaram nos maiores de K+ em solução do solo. Foi observado diminuição dos teores de K+ em solução do solo a partir dos 90 dias na camada até 50 cm. Ao contrário do que aconteceu com o NO3 -, o K+ foi adsorvido nas camadas superficiais e sua lixiviação foi evitada. Independentemente do tipo e da dose da vinhaça, houve aumento da CEs até a 15ª semana após a aplicação, mas sem comprometimento da qualidade da água. A aplicação das vinhaças in natura tratadas química e biologicamente resultaram nos maiores valores de CEs. A utilização de vinhaça in natura, na taxa calculada pela norma P4.231 da CETESB, resultou nos menores valores de NO3 - e de K+ em solução do solo, independentemente da profundidade, desta forma recomenda-se que a norma P4.231 deve ser usada somente para aplicação de vinhaça in natura. É indicada a incorporação dos teores de NO3 - na equação de cálculo da dose de vinhaça da norma P4.231, uma vez que o NO3 - alcançou a camada até 100 cm em 45 dias, ou seja, período de tempo incompatível com o adequado desenvolvimento radicular da cana-de-açúcar e que permite a lixiviação do NO3 - para fora da zona de influência das raízes. Em geral, através das análises de solo das colunas de percolação após 6 meses de monitoramento, pode-se verificar um efeito residual da vinhaça , considerando todos os tipos e doses, nas amostras de solo para os parâmetros Na+, K+, e Fe3+. O K+ ficou retido na camada de 0 a 50 cm das colunas de percolação. De forma contrária, o Na+ apresentou as maiores concentrações nas profundidades de 80 a 130 cm, evidenciando seu maior potencial de lixiviação em relação ao K+.

This master thesis deals technology of floating islands and their application in practice. In the first theoretical part describes detail of physical and chemical properties of water, the cycle of substances in water and the distribution of standing water, which are considered the most suitable interest sites for the application and instalation of floating systems. The sekond part describes the measurement metodology, which was carried out in several stages on the research land of the Institute of Landscape Water Management. The measuremenr was focused on monitoring the quality characteristics of water in free artificial tanks (lysimeters). The first tank was with floating island, the sekond with floating rack without plants and the third tank with free surface (to ensure the simulation of the natural state). The measurement was under way in the calendar year 2017 and was divided into free stages (spring, summer, winter). During this period were monitored COD, total phosphorus, nitric and amoniacal nitrogen and dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, water and air temperature and aggregate rainfall. Part of the master thesis is graphical and tabular evaluation of the results. The results are processed in the Minitab 16 statistical software, graphical representation is supplemented by the interlaced linear and cubic regression curves for easier search for the dependence of selected factors. The stages are compared at the end of the master thesis. At hhe end of summer 2017, the first application of the floating island according to utility model No. 31 169 was carried out within the Czech Republic on selected water reservoir in the Bílý Potok basin (Polička).

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient in the biosphere. Although N is necessary and beneficial for life, it is also a common pollutant in the atmosphere and hydrosphere as it may be lost to the atmosphere as ammonia (NH3) or nitrous oxide (N2O) gases or to groundwater as nitrate (NO3-) following fertilization. Polymer coated urea (PCU) is one type of N fertilizer which uses temperature-controlled diffusion to control N release to better match plant demand and mitigate environmental losses of N. The objectives of this project were to simultaneously compare the effects of PCU on gaseous (as N2O and NH3) and aqueous (as NO3-) N losses to the environment as compared to uncoated urea in grass systems over the entire PCU N-release period and to investigate the viability of photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy as a method to ascertain N2O and NH3 losses following fertilization. Two field studies were conducted on established turfgrass sites with a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG; Poa pratensis L.) and perennial ryegrass (PRG; Lolium perenne L.) in sand (Site 1) and loam (Site 2) soils. Each study compared an untreated control to 200 kg N ha-1 applied as either uncoated urea or PCU (Duration 45 CR®). In these studies PCU reduced NH3 emissions by 41-49% and N2O emissions by 16-54%, while improving growth and verdure. Leachate NO3- observations were inconclusive at each site. Glasshouse studies were conducted to compare N2O and NH3 emissions from PCU and uncoated urea to an untreated control utilizing a non-static, non-flow-through chamber in conjunction with photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy (PAIRS) for gas collection and analysis. Three short-term studies (17-21 d) were done with sand, sandy loam, and loam soils and a full-term (45 d) study with the loam soil. Each study was done in maize (Zea mays L.). Volatilization of ammonia was reduced by 72% and 22% in the sandy loam and loam soils, respectively, in 2008-2009 and by 14% in the loam in 2010. Evolution of N2O was reduced by 42% and 63% in the sandy loam and loam soils in 2008-2009 and by 99% in the loam in 2010. Overall, PCU decreased gaseous losses of N following fertilization while providing a steady supply of N to the plant. The utilization of PAIRS is a viable analysis method which gives higher temporal resolution analysis than is typically reported. These considerable decreases in environmental losses of N are major steps toward conserving natural resources and mitigating the negative environmental impacts associated with N fertilization in grass systems.

No description available.

Manure contains nutrients for crop growth; however, overapplication, with time, can result in excess nutrients in soil, which can subsequently be lost in surface runoff. <p>The general purpose of this research is to study the effect of liquid hog manure, applied as an agricultural fertilizer, on water chemistry of surface runoff from rainfall simulation tests. Specifically the research focuses on runoff water chemistry comparisons between lands receiving hog manure at different rates, via different injection methods, and upon different slope positions. <p>To examine these objectives, soil nutrient supply rates (P, NH4-N, and NO3-N) of the 0 5 cm depth of soil adjacent to rainfall simulation positions, and runoff water chemistry (TP, OP, NH4-N, NO3-N, DOC, Cl- and coliforms) during rainfall simulation tests were collected before and after manure addition. <p> Generally, manure application did increase soil NH4-N and NO3-N supply rates, and runoff NH4-N concentration. Soil P supply rate and runoff TP concentration were not affected by the manure addition; however, runoff OP concentration at one site (Perdue) increased significantly due to manure addition. The manure treatments applied in this study did not cause any significant increases in fecal or total coliform in runoff from rainfall simulation tests conducted 7 8 months after manure application. None of the water quality parameters exceeded the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. <p> Manure injection method (regular versus low soil surface disturbance) had consistent effects on runoff chemistry, but application rate did not. The regular disturbance method had significantly higher concentrations of water quality parameters than the low disturbance method. <p> The position of the test on the slope did not result in any consistent trends in runoff chemistry, whether before or after manure addition. Foot slope positions had higher soil NH4-N supply rates than upper slope positions, both before and after manure addition. Soil NH4-N, NO3-N, and P supply rates between landscape positions were not likely influenced by manure addition. <p> Regression tests between soil nutrient supply rates and runoff chemistry indicate that soil NH4-N supply rates are a good index to predict runoff NH4-N concentration, but soil P did not predict runoff P.

Manure contains nutrients for crop growth; however, overapplication, with time, can result in excess nutrients in soil, which can subsequently be lost in surface runoff. <p>The general purpose of this research is to study the effect of liquid hog manure, applied as an agricultural fertilizer, on water chemistry of surface runoff from rainfall simulation tests. Specifically the research focuses on runoff water chemistry comparisons between lands receiving hog manure at different rates, via different injection methods, and upon different slope positions. <p>To examine these objectives, soil nutrient supply rates (P, NH4-N, and NO3-N) of the 0 5 cm depth of soil adjacent to rainfall simulation positions, and runoff water chemistry (TP, OP, NH4-N, NO3-N, DOC, Cl- and coliforms) during rainfall simulation tests were collected before and after manure addition. <p> Generally, manure application did increase soil NH4-N and NO3-N supply rates, and runoff NH4-N concentration. Soil P supply rate and runoff TP concentration were not affected by the manure addition; however, runoff OP concentration at one site (Perdue) increased significantly due to manure addition. The manure treatments applied in this study did not cause any significant increases in fecal or total coliform in runoff from rainfall simulation tests conducted 7 8 months after manure application. None of the water quality parameters exceeded the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. <p> Manure injection method (regular versus low soil surface disturbance) had consistent effects on runoff chemistry, but application rate did not. The regular disturbance method had significantly higher concentrations of water quality parameters than the low disturbance method. <p> The position of the test on the slope did not result in any consistent trends in runoff chemistry, whether before or after manure addition. Foot slope positions had higher soil NH4-N supply rates than upper slope positions, both before and after manure addition. Soil NH4-N, NO3-N, and P supply rates between landscape positions were not likely influenced by manure addition. <p> Regression tests between soil nutrient supply rates and runoff chemistry indicate that soil NH4-N supply rates are a good index to predict runoff NH4-N concentration, but soil P did not predict runoff P.

Long term data generated at four rural stations are compared to determine similarities and differences in aerosol compositions and factors contributing to observed differences at different regions in Turkey. The stations used in this study are located at Mediterranean coast (20 km to the west of Antalya city), Black Sea coast (20 km to the east of Amasra town), Central Anatolia (&Ccedil / ubuk, Ankara) and Northeastern part of the Anatolian Plateau (at Mt. Uludag). Data used in comparisons were generated in previous studies. However, some re-analysis of data were also performed / (1) to improve the similarities of the parameters compared and (2) to be able to apply recently-developed methodologies to data sets. Data from Mediterranean and Black Sea stations were identical in terms of parameters measured and were suitable for extensive comparison. However, fewer parameters were measured at &Ccedil / ubuk and Uludag stations, which limited the comparisons involving these two stations. Comparison included levels of major ions and elements, short-term and seasonal variations in concentrations, background (baseline) concentrations of elements, flow climatology of regions, correlations between elements, potential source areas affecting regions, and source types affecting chemical composition of particles. Comparison of levels of measured parameters in four regions showed that there are some differences in concentrations that arise from differences in the local characteristics of the sampling points. For example very high concentrations of elements such as Na and Cl in the Mediterranean region is attributed to closer proximity of the Antalya station to coast and not a general feature of the Mediterranean aerosol. There are also significant regional differences in the concentrations of measured elements and ions as well. Concentrations of anthropogenic elements are very similar at two coastal stations (Antalya and Amasra), but they are approximately a factor of two smaller at the two stations that are located on the Anatolian Plateau. This difference between coastal and high altitude plateau stations, which is common to all anthropogenic species, is attributed to different source regions and transport mechanisms influencing coastal regions and Anatolian Plateau. Some statistically significant differences were also observed in the temporal variations of elements and ions measured in different stations. The elements with crustal origin showed similar seasonal pattern at all stations, with higher concentrations in summer and lower concentrations in winter. This difference between summer and winter is attributed to suppression of re-suspension of crustal aerosol from wet or ice-covered surface soil in winter. Concentrations of anthropogenic elements, on the other hand, did not show a statistically significant seasonal trend at Amasra, &Ccedil / ubuk and Uludag stations, but they have higher concentrations during summer months at the Antalya station. This difference between Mediterranean aerosol and aerosol at the Central and Northern Turkey is due to influence of more local sources on &Ccedil / ubuk, Amasra and Uludag stations and domination of more distant source in determining aerosol composition at the Mediterranean region. A similar conclusion of strong influence of local sources on chemical composition of particles at the Central Anatolia was also suggested by the comparison of baseline concentrations in each station. General features in flow climatology (residence times of upper atmospheric air masses) in each region are found to be similar with more frequent flow from W, WNW, NW and NNW wind sectors. Since these are the sectors that include high emitting countries in Eastern and Western Europe and Russia, transport from these sectors are expected to bring pollution from both distant European countries and more local Balkan countries and western parts of Turkey. Flow climatology in stations showed small, but statistically significant, differences between summer and winter seasons. These variations suggested that the station at the Central Anatolia and Black Sea (&Ccedil / ubuk Amasra and Uludag stations) are affected from sources located at the Western Europe in winter season and from sources located at the Eastern Europe in summer. Mediterranean aerosol, on the other hand, are affected from sources at the Western Europe and do not show any seasonal differences. This variation in flow climatology between summer and winter seasons (and lack of variation at the Mediterranean station) is supported by the seasonal variation (and lack of variation at the Mediterranean station) in SO42-/NO3- ratio measured at the stations. Potential source contribution function (PSCF) values are calculated for selected elements and ions in each station. Statistical significance of calculated PSCF values is tested using bootstrapping technique. Results showed that specific grids at Russia and at Balkan countries are common source regions affecting concentrations of anthropogenic elements at all four regions in Turkey. However, each station is also affected from specific source regions as well. Aerosol composition at the Anatolian Plateau are affected from sources closer to the sampling points whereas Mediterranean and Black Sea aerosol are affected from source regions that farther away from the receptors. It should be noted that the same conclusion is also reached in comparison of seasonal patterns and baseline concentrations at these stations. Types of sources affecting aerosol composition at Black Sea, Mediterranean and Central Anatolia are also compared. Source types affecting atmospheric composition in these regions were calculated using positive matrix factorization (PMF). The results showed that aerosol at the Black Sea, Central Anatolia and Mediterranean atmosphere consists of 8, 6 and 7 components, respectively. Two of these components, namely a crustal component and a long-range transport component are common in all three stations. The chemical compositions of these common components are shown to the same within 95% statistical significance interval. Three factors, namely a fertilizer factor, which is highly enriched in NH4+ ion, a sea salt component and an arsenic factor are common in the Mediterranean and Black Sea aerosol but not observed at the Central Anatolia. Other factors found in the regions are specific for that region.