Assessment of Pollutant Load and Potential Impact of the Snowpack in Brăila Municipality

Abstract

Urban snowpack represents a highly effective matrix for monitoring atmospheric deposition, as it has the capacity to accumulate pollutants originating from anthropogenic activities during the cold season. The present study aims to assess the contamination levels of snow collected from different functional areas of the Brăila municipality, as well as to estimate the potential impact of pollutants on soil and surface waters during the melting period. Snow samples were collected from areas characterized by intense road traffic, residential zones, industrial sectors, and green spaces, in order to highlight the spatial variability of contaminants. Laboratory analyses included the determination of physicochemical parameters (pH, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity), major ionic species (Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, NH₄⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺), and selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Fe), which are relevant indicators for identifying sources of urban pollution. The assessment of pollution levels was carried out using specific indices, such as the contamination factor and the pollution load index. The obtained results highlight the influence of anthropogenic activities on the chemical composition of urban snow and emphasize its role as a vector for pollutant transfer to soils and drainage systems during snowmelt. Ultimately, this study contributes to a better understanding of seasonal urban pollution processes and provides a scientific basis for the development of sustainable environmental management measures.