Principal component analysis of rainwater composition at BAPMoN stations in India

Data from Indian BAPMoN stations were analyzed using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) by examining broadly the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the ions, from mineral and gaseous sources, observed in rainwater samples collected over the Indian BAPMoN stations over along period (1976-87), The results show that the pH of rainwater can be generally explained In terms of the concentration of SO.-2 , NO3 -1, CI-l, Ca+2 and Na+1 ion~, However, other mechanisms could determine the overall nature of the Interactions, These mechanisms have become more clear by performing principal component analysis.