Analysis of the first rain after a prolonged drought in southern Brazil using TXRF

Published in Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2025

In September 2024, following a prolonged drought and widespread wildfires across Brazil, the first rainfall was forecasted in the southern region of the country. This study investigates the chemical composition of this rainwater. Rainwater samples were collected from 15 locations and analyzed using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) with a Bruker S2 Picofox system. The results revealed the presence of elements such as Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Ba, and Sr. The highest concentrations were observed for Ca (425 mg/L), Cl (353 mg/L), Si (265 mg/L), K (150 mg/L), Fe (149 mg/L), and Al (119 mg/L). These findings highlight the relationship between environmental events, such as droughts and wildfires, and rainwater composition, emphasizing broader implications for air quality and water resources.

Download paper here

How to cite

```latex @article{birelo2025analysis, title={Analysis of the first rain after a prolonged drought in southern Brazil using TXRF}, author={Birelo, Let{'\i}cia Martins and de Fran{\c{c}}a, Aline Mariani and Lopes, Jo{~a}o Marcos F{'a}varo and Andrello, Avacir Casanova and Jussiani, Eduardo Inocente}, journal={Radiation Physics and Chemistry}, pages={113117}, year={2025}, publisher={Elsevier} }

Recommended citation: Birelo, L. M., de Franca, A. M., Lopes, J. M. F., Andrello, A. C., & Jussiani, E. I. (2025). Analysis of the first rain after a prolonged drought in southern Brazil using TXRF. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 113117.
Download Paper