Transboundary air pollution: acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone in the UK

Abstract

This report provides a detailed description of the current status of the problems of acid deposition, eutrophication and ground-level ozone pollution in the UK, including emissions, atmospheric concentrations and deposition of the major pollutants, and the impacts on soil, vegetation and freshwater. A summary of impacts throughout Europe is included to provide a perspective for the assessment. Emissions of the major pollutants SO{sub 2} and NOx in 1999 have declined by 80% and 40% of their respective peak emissions and are projected to decline further by 2010, in line with UK commitments within international protocols. Emissions of NH{sub 3} have changed little since the peak emissions in the mid 1980s but a decline of 12% relative to 1990 is expected by 2010. Ground-level ozone concentrations regularly exceed the threshold for effects on vegetation and human health throughout the UK, but the peak concentrations declined by 30% between 1986 and 1999. The report was prepared by NEGTAP on behalf of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Scottish Executive, The National Assembly for Wales, and the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. 627 refs., 8 apps.