Chemical composition of the snow cover in the Republic of Tatarstan

Based on snow samples collected in 2016–2022, the chemical composition of the snow cover in major urban centers of the Republic of Tatarstan, including Kazan, Almetyevsk, Bugulma, and the Nizhnekamsk industrial zone, was examined. The snowmelt waters exhibited mineralization values of 5.26–733 mg/L, pH of 4.89–7.84, and dust fallout intensity of 1.40–880 kg/(km² ×day). Differences were identified among various natural and anthropogenic landscapes, as well as across key functional zones both within and outside the urban areas. The least mineralized and dusty snow was found in the field sites and lake environments away from roads. The highest pollution levels were associated with the suburban highways, industrial zones, and heavily trafficked roads in Kazan. The potential of using isotopic data (δD and δ¹⁸O) to infer the degree of snow pollution was demonstrated. The mean fallout intensity of dissolved substances and dust with winter atmospheric precipitation in Tatarstan was estimated at 1.1 t/km² and 5.37 t/km² , respectively. The total amount of substances deposited in the region by the snow cover per winter season was 438 800.5 t. The most intense acidic precipitation was observed near the Nizhnekamsk industrial zone, although the emissions from its petrochemical enterprises affected only the snow pH and organoleptic properties. The substantial improvement in the snow quality since 1990 suggests a progressive enhancement of the air quality.

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