Summation of the masses of a given element in its various compounds before and after reaction (changes) in the atmosphere; provides a test of the completeness of the accounting of the various reaction paths for this element which can be had through the compounds which have been analysed.
Source:
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2200 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)