Critical Loads for Sulphur and Nitrogen


Book Description

Miljørapport 1988:15







Critical Loads and Dynamic Risk Assessments


Book Description

This book provides a unique overview of research methods over the past 25 years assessing critical loads and temporal effects of the deposition of air pollutants. It includes critical load methods and applications addressing acidification, eutrophication and heavy metal pollution of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Applications include examples for each air pollution threat, both at local and regional scale, including Europe, Asia, Canada and the US. The book starts with background information on the effects of the deposition of sulphur, nitrogen and heavy metals and geochemical and biological indicators for risk assessments. The use of those indicators is then illustrated in the assessment of critical loads and their exceedances and in the temporal assessment of air pollution risks. It also includes the most recent developments of assessing critical loads and current and future risks of soil and water chemistry and biodiversity under climate change, with a special focus on nitrogen. The book thus provides a complete overview of the knowledge that is currently used for the scientific support of policies in the field of air pollution control to protect ecosystem services.




Nitrogen Deposition, Critical Loads and Biodiversity


Book Description

This volume brings together extended reviews and papers of new scientific research on atmospheric nitrogen deposition impacts globally. While there is a wealth of evidence on the magnitude, components and effects of nitrogen disposition on floral biodiversity in Europe and North America, there is an obvious lack of information on impacts on above- and below-ground fauna, and all impacts in other parts of the world, with no clear overview of how the different strands of evidence fit together. This overall synthesis is targeted at the international conventions, but is equally readable for scientists, environmental managers, conservation agencies and policy makers. 'This timely book highlights the global nitrogen deposition problem. Major regions of the world are exceeding sustainability thresholds for adverse effects on ecosystem function and biodiversity. This highlights the importance of ongoing work, including under the Convention on Biological Diversity, in developing indicators and monitoring nitrogen deposition effects to enable appropriate measures. This book presents a milestone towards this global goal as the international community works toward meeting the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, especially Target 8: "By 2020, pollution, including from excess nutrients, has been brought to levels that are not detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity". Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity “This key volume highlights the global challenge to reduce atmospheric nitrogen pollution resulting from energy production, transport and agricultural activities. It takes forward the agenda recently launched in the UNEP commissioned report ‘Our Nutrient World”. Dr. Anjan Datta, UNEP.




World Atlas of Atmospheric Pollution


Book Description

Provides a revealing global overview of air pollution and its startling impact through graphical and visual representation of data.




The Impact of Nitrogen Deposition on Natural and Semi-Natural Ecosystems


Book Description

This book provides an up-to-date synthesis of the understanding of the interaction between the emission of nitrogen, its deposition and impact on the most important components of natural and semi-natural ecosystems. The work consists of contributions from internationally renowned research scientists. Individual chapters deal with the factors and processes related to nitrogen deposition and soils, non-forest vegetation communities, forest ecosystems, and surface waters. The assessment of these impacts is discussed in terms of setting critical loads. The book is aimed at researchers, advanced course students and policy makers/advisors involved with aspects of the impact of air pollution.




Critical Loads


Book Description

The concept of critical loads is of great ecological, economic and political importance. Although a simple concept - the threshold at which a pollutant load causes harm to the environment - turning this basic idea into scientifically-acceptable criteria is an ambitious undertaking. Nevertheless, governments are pressing ahead with European legislation on air pollution based on acceptable critical loads. However, there has been little opportunity for the ecological community as a whole to participate in these vital discussions on European policy, or for those who have been involved to present the results of their deliberations to their scientific peers.




Acid Rain - Deposition to Recovery


Book Description

This book looks at the sources and composition of the atmosphere and rainfall, with particular attention on acidifying components and those that affect ecosystems. It further widens the subject to look at trace metals. It includes papers on the impact of deposition on soils and forests and the recovery of the natural environment. Work on critical loads makes a contribution to understanding the degree to which deposition must be reduced to limit its impact.




Acidification Research: Evaluation and Policy Applications


Book Description

A large number of nationwide research programmes in the field of acidification have been carried out in the last decade. Especially in Western Europe, extensive programmes have resulted in a good overview of all the effects - mostly negative - caused by acidifying substances. There is now consensus that types of acidification damage relate to the unique geography of an area: air pollution affects vegetation; acid aerosol the ozone layer. New in this volume, is the relation between scientific results of integrated research programmes and policy actions to prevent, reduce and limit the widespread damage caused by acidification. The results of many different national research programmes are evaluated and compared to present a unique compilation for the research scientist and policy maker. In this volume thematic reviews on specific topics of acidification research are presented, followed by overviews of acidification policy plans and actual abatement plans. The result is the best review of acidification research carried out worldwide during the last decade and presentation of the critical relation between research results and policy actions.




Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition to Global Forests


Book Description

Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition in Global Forests: Spatial Variation, Impacts, and Management Implications provides the most comprehensive knowledge on spatial variation and ecological impacts of reactive nitrogen deposition in global forests, as well as forest management options to mitigate the negative impacts. Written and edited by international experts in the field, this book synthesizes recent research developments and insights in monitoring and modeling nitrogen deposition in global forests. The book also assesses ecological impacts of enhanced nitrogen deposition on forest structure and function and responses of forest ecosystems to decreasing nitrogen deposition in regions such as the European Union and North America. Finally, the book reviews indicators and thresholds for nitrogen saturation in global forests and analyzes remediation options to reduce impacts of excess nitrogen deposition. This is an important resource for researchers in forestry and biodiversity conservation, as well as graduate students, policymakers and others who want to understand environmental issues of reactive nitrogen deposition in global forests. - Offers a systematic view of the ecological impacts of enhanced nitrogen deposition - Provides the most comprehensive knowledge on spatial variation and the ecological impacts of reactive nitrogen deposition in global forests - Presents expert research and findings on forest management options to remediate negative impacts