Evaluating Rainfall Contaminations in Changhua Using Factor Analysis

Abstract The data and interpretations presented in this paper are based on an analysis ofprecipitation in Changhua City during 2001. Factor analysis was used to evaluaterelationships of ions in the precipitation to provide a quantitative determination ofsources of rainwater contamination. Approximately half of the precipitation eventshad a pH 1. The first factor has high loadings on Na + ,Mg 2+ ,Cl - and Ca 2+ and could be attributed to sea salt aerosol influence. The second factor has* Graduated with a Master’s, Degree in Geography from National Changhua University of Education.** Professor, Dept. of Geography, National Changhua University of Education.***˘ˇˆ˙˝˛˚ ˜ ! "Associate Researcher, Taiwan Endemic Species Research Institute. 41-54(2002)JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCE (32) : 41-54(2002)