Precipitation chemistry in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa

Abstract

The chemical composition of precipitation during 1992–93 was assessed by characterising about 31 one‐three‐rain event samples at three locations. A representative precipitation sample at Belvedere, Harare (December 1992) had (μM/1) sulfate 3.78, chloride 6.63, nitrate 1.13, bicarbonate 2.10, ammonium 1.50, potassium 1.61, sodium 5.49, calcium 3.92 and magnesium 1.45 and H∗ 2.88. The levels of two heavy metals, copper and zinc found were 0.06 and 0.51 μM/1 respectively. The conductance and pH were 5.5 μS/cm and 5.54 respectively. Most samples had the charge balance and conductivity ratios around unity, suggesting that important parameters have been analysed.

Key words:

• Rainwater
• precipitation
• chemical composition
• Zimbabwe
• Africa.