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Vivanco MG, Theobald MR, García-Gómez H, Garrido JL, Prank M, Aas W, Adani M, Alyuz U, Andersson C, Bellasio R, Bessagnet B, Bianconi R, Bieser J, Brandt J, Briganti G, Cappelletti A, Curci G, Christensen JH, Colette A, Couvidat F, Cuvelier C, D’Isidoro M, Flemming J, Fraser A, Geels C, Hansen KM, Hogrefe C, Im U, Jorba O, Kitwiroon N, Manders A, Mircea M, Otero N, Pay MT, Pozzoli L, Solazzo E, Tsyro S, Unal A, Wind P, Galmarini S, Pozzer A. Modeled deposition of nitrogen and sulfur in Europe estimated by 14 air quality model systems: evaluation, effects of changes in emissions and implications for habitat protection. Atmos Chem Phys 2018; 18:10199-10218. [PMID: 30450115 PMCID: PMC6235743 DOI: 10.5194/acp-18-10199-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation and intercomparison of air quality models is key to reducing model errors and uncertainty. The projects AQMEII3 and EURODELTA-Trends, in the framework of the Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollutants and the Task Force on Measurements and Modelling, respectively (both task forces under the UNECE Convention on the Long Range Transport of Air Pollution, LTRAP), have brought together various regional air quality models to analyze their performance in terms of air concentrations and wet deposition, as well as to address other specific objectives. This paper jointly examines the results from both project communities by intercomparing and evaluating the deposition estimates of reduced and oxidized nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) in Europe simulated by 14 air quality model systems for the year 2010. An accurate estimate of deposition is key to an accurate simulation of atmospheric concentrations. In addition, deposition fluxes are increasingly being used to estimate ecological impacts. It is therefore important to know by how much model results differ and how well they agree with observed values, at least when comparison with observations is possible, such as in the case of wet deposition. This study reveals a large variability between the wet deposition estimates of the models, with some performing acceptably (according to previously defined criteria) and others underestimating wet deposition rates. For dry deposition, there are also considerable differences between the model estimates. An ensemble of the models with the best performance for N wet deposition was made and used to explore the implications of N deposition in the conservation of protected European habitats. Exceedances of empirical critical loads were calculated for the most common habitats at a resolution of 100 × 100 m2 within the Natura 2000 network, and the habitats with the largest areas showing exceedances are determined. Moreover, simulations with reduced emissions in selected source areas indicated a fairly linear relationship between reductions in emissions and changes in the deposition rates of N and S. An approximate 20 % reduction in N and S deposition in Europe is found when emissions at a global scale are reduced by the same amount. European emissions are by far the main contributor to deposition in Europe, whereas the reduction in deposition due to a decrease in emissions in North America is very small and confined to the western part of the domain. Reductions in European emissions led to substantial decreases in the protected habitat areas with critical load exceedances (halving the exceeded area for certain habitats), whereas no change was found, on average, when reducing North American emissions in terms of average values per habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marje Prank
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, FI00560, Finland
- Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Wenche Aas
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, 2007, Norway
| | - Mario Adani
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ummugulsum Alyuz
- Bahcesehir University Engineering and Natural Sciences Faculty. 34353 Besiktas Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Camilla Andersson
- SMHI, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute Norrköping, Norrköping, Sweden
| | | | - Bertrand Bessagnet
- INERIS, Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques, Parc Alata, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | | | - Johannes Bieser
- Institute of Coastal Research, Chemistry Transport Modelling Group, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Jørgen Brandt
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, 4000, Denmark
| | - Gino Briganti
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappelletti
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriele Curci
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Augustin Colette
- INERIS, Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques, Parc Alata, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Florian Couvidat
- INERIS, Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques, Parc Alata, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Cornelis Cuvelier
- Ex European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21020 Ispra (Va), Italy
| | - Massimo D’Isidoro
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Fraser
- Ricardo Energy & Environment, Gemini Building, Fermi Avenue, Harwell, Oxon, OX11 0QR, UK
| | - Camilla Geels
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, 4000, Denmark
| | - Kaj M. Hansen
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, 4000, Denmark
| | - Christian Hogrefe
- Computational Exposure Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ulas Im
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, 4000, Denmark
| | - Oriol Jorba
- BSC, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Centro National de Supercomputacidn, Nexus II Building, Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Astrid Manders
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mihaela Mircea
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Noelia Otero
- IASS, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Maria-Teresa Pay
- BSC, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Centro National de Supercomputacidn, Nexus II Building, Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luca Pozzoli
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - Efisio Solazzo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - Svetlana Tsyro
- Climate Modelling and Air Pollution Division, Research and Development Department, Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET Norway), P.O. Box 43, Blindern, 0313 Oslo, Norway
| | - Alper Unal
- Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences, Istanbul Technical University, Turkey
| | - Peter Wind
- Climate Modelling and Air Pollution Division, Research and Development Department, Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET Norway), P.O. Box 43, Blindern, 0313 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
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Ochoa-Hueso R, Munzi S, Alonso R, Arróniz-Crespo M, Avila A, Bermejo V, Bobbink R, Branquinho C, Concostrina-Zubiri L, Cruz C, Cruz de Carvalho R, De Marco A, Dias T, Elustondo D, Elvira S, Estébanez B, Fusaro L, Gerosa G, Izquieta-Rojano S, Lo Cascio M, Marzuoli R, Matos P, Mereu S, Merino J, Morillas L, Nunes A, Paoletti E, Paoli L, Pinho P, Rogers IB, Santos A, Sicard P, Stevens CJ, Theobald MR. Ecological impacts of atmospheric pollution and interactions with climate change in terrestrial ecosystems of the Mediterranean Basin: Current research and future directions. Environ Pollut 2017; 227:194-206. [PMID: 28460237 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mediterranean Basin ecosystems, their unique biodiversity, and the key services they provide are currently at risk due to air pollution and climate change, yet only a limited number of isolated and geographically-restricted studies have addressed this topic, often with contrasting results. Particularities of air pollution in this region include high O3 levels due to high air temperatures and solar radiation, the stability of air masses, and dominance of dry over wet nitrogen deposition. Moreover, the unique abiotic and biotic factors (e.g., climate, vegetation type, relevance of Saharan dust inputs) modulating the response of Mediterranean ecosystems at various spatiotemporal scales make it difficult to understand, and thus predict, the consequences of human activities that cause air pollution in the Mediterranean Basin. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement coordinated research and experimental platforms along with wider environmental monitoring networks in the region. In particular, a robust deposition monitoring network in conjunction with modelling estimates is crucial, possibly including a set of common biomonitors (ideally cryptogams, an important component of the Mediterranean vegetation), to help refine pollutant deposition maps. Additionally, increased attention must be paid to functional diversity measures in future air pollution and climate change studies to establish the necessary link between biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services in Mediterranean ecosystems. Through a coordinated effort, the Mediterranean scientific community can fill the above-mentioned gaps and reach a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying the combined effects of air pollution and climate change in the Mediterranean Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Autonomous University of Madrid, Department of Ecology, 2 Darwin Street, Madrid 28049, Spain.
| | - Silvana Munzi
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rocío Alonso
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - María Arróniz-Crespo
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Avila
- Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Victoria Bermejo
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Roland Bobbink
- B-WARE Research Centre, Radboud University, PO Box 9010, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Laura Concostrina-Zubiri
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cruz
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Cruz de Carvalho
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Teresa Dias
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Elustondo
- LICA, Department of Chemistry and Soil Science, University of Navarre, Irunlarrea, 1-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Susana Elvira
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Belén Estébanez
- Departamento de Biología, Unidad de Botánica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lina Fusaro
- Dept. of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Gerosa
- Dept. of Mathematics and Physics, Catholic University of Brescia, Via dei Musei 41, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sheila Izquieta-Rojano
- LICA, Department of Chemistry and Soil Science, University of Navarre, Irunlarrea, 1-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mauro Lo Cascio
- Department of Science for Nature and Natural Resources, University of Sassari, Via Enrico De Nicola 1, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Marzuoli
- Dept. of Mathematics and Physics, Catholic University of Brescia, Via dei Musei 41, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paula Matos
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Simone Mereu
- Department of Science for Nature and Natural Resources, University of Sassari, Via Enrico De Nicola 1, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - José Merino
- Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Ctra. de Utrera km. 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lourdes Morillas
- Department of Science for Nature and Natural Resources, University of Sassari, Via Enrico De Nicola 1, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Alice Nunes
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elena Paoletti
- IPSP-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Paoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Pedro Pinho
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; CERENA-IST-UL, Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel B Rogers
- Lancaster Environment Center, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Arthur Santos
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pierre Sicard
- ACRI-ST, 260 route du Pin Montard, BP 234, 06904 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France
| | - Carly J Stevens
- Lancaster Environment Center, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Mark R Theobald
- Air Pollution Division, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22 (edif. 70), Madrid 28040, Spain
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Ochoa-Hueso R, Arróniz-Crespo M, Bowker MA, Maestre FT, Pérez-Corona ME, Theobald MR, Vivanco MG, Manrique E. Biogeochemical indicators of elevated nitrogen deposition in semiarid Mediterranean ecosystems. Environ Monit Assess 2014; 186:5831-42. [PMID: 24894911 PMCID: PMC4427508 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3822-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) deposition has doubled the natural N inputs received by ecosystems through biological N fixation and is currently a global problem that is affecting the Mediterranean regions. We evaluated the existing relationships between increased atmospheric N deposition and biogeochemical indicators related to soil chemical factors and cryptogam species across semiarid central, southern, and eastern Spain. The cryptogam species studied were the biocrust-forming species Pleurochaete squarrosa (moss) and Cladonia foliacea (lichen). Sampling sites were chosen in Quercus coccifera (kermes oak) shrublands and Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine) forests to cover a range of inorganic N deposition representative of the levels found in the Iberian Peninsula (between 4.4 and 8.1 kg N ha(-1) year(-1)). We extended the ambient N deposition gradient by including experimental plots to which N had been added for 3 years at rates of 10, 20, and 50 kg N ha(-1) year(-1). Overall, N deposition (extant plus simulated) increased soil inorganic N availability and caused soil acidification. Nitrogen deposition increased phosphomonoesterase (PME) enzyme activity and PME/nitrate reductase (NR) ratio in both species, whereas the NR activity was reduced only in the moss. Responses of PME and NR activities were attributed to an induced N to phosphorus imbalance and to N saturation, respectively. When only considering the ambient N deposition, soil organic C and N contents were positively related to N deposition, a response driven by pine forests. The PME/NR ratios of the moss were better predictors of N deposition rates than PME or NR activities alone in shrublands, whereas no correlation between N deposition and the lichen physiology was observed. We conclude that integrative physiological measurements, such as PME/NR ratios, measured on sensitive species such as P. squarrosa, can provide useful data for national-scale biomonitoring programs, whereas soil acidification and soil C and N storage could be useful as additional corroborating ecosystem indicators of chronic N pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, New South Wales, 2751, Australia,
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Vogt E, Dragosits U, Braban CF, Theobald MR, Dore AJ, van Dijk N, Tang YS, McDonald C, Murray S, Rees RM, Sutton MA. Heterogeneity of atmospheric ammonia at the landscape scale and consequences for environmental impact assessment. Environ Pollut 2013; 179:120-131. [PMID: 23669461 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We examined the consequences of the spatial heterogeneity of atmospheric ammonia (NH₃) by measuring and modelling NH₃ concentrations and deposition at 25 m grid resolution for a rural landscape containing intensive poultry farming, agricultural grassland, woodland and moorland. The emission pattern gave rise to a high spatial variability of modelled mean annual NH₃ concentrations and dry deposition. Largest impacts were predicted for woodland patches located within the agricultural area, while larger moorland areas were at low risk, due to atmospheric dispersion, prevailing wind direction and low NH3 background. These high resolution spatial details are lost in national scale estimates at 1 km resolution due to less detailed emission input maps. The results demonstrate how the spatial arrangement of sources and sinks is critical to defining the NH₃ risk to semi-natural ecosystems. These spatial relationships provide the foundation for local spatial planning approaches to reduce environmental impacts of atmospheric NH₃.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Vogt
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology-CEH, Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, United Kingdom
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5
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Ochoa-Hueso R, Maestre FT, de Los Ríos A, Valea S, Theobald MR, Vivanco MG, Manrique E, Bowker MA. Nitrogen deposition alters nitrogen cycling and reduces soil carbon content in low-productivity semiarid Mediterranean ecosystems. Environ Pollut 2013; 179:185-93. [PMID: 23685631 PMCID: PMC4427509 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic N deposition poses a threat to European Mediterranean ecosystems. We combined data from an extant N deposition gradient (4.3-7.3 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) from semiarid areas of Spain and a field experiment in central Spain to evaluate N deposition effects on soil fertility, function and cyanobacteria community. Soil organic N did not increase along the extant gradient. Nitrogen fixation decreased along existing and experimental N deposition gradients, a result possibly related to compositional shifts in soil cyanobacteria community. Net ammonification and nitrification (which dominated N-mineralization) were reduced and increased, respectively, by N fertilization, suggesting alterations in the N cycle. Soil organic C content, C:N ratios and the activity of β-glucosidase decreased along the extant gradient in most locations. Our results suggest that semiarid soils in low-productivity sites are unable to store additional N inputs, and that are also unable to mitigate increasing C emissions when experiencing increased N deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Ochoa-Hueso
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Serrano 115 Bis, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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6
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Sutton MA, Reis S, Riddick SN, Dragosits U, Nemitz E, Theobald MR, Tang YS, Braban CF, Vieno M, Dore AJ, Mitchell RF, Wanless S, Daunt F, Fowler D, Blackall TD, Milford C, Flechard CR, Loubet B, Massad R, Cellier P, Personne E, Coheur PF, Clarisse L, Van Damme M, Ngadi Y, Clerbaux C, Skjøth CA, Geels C, Hertel O, Wichink Kruit RJ, Pinder RW, Bash JO, Walker JT, Simpson D, Horváth L, Misselbrook TH, Bleeker A, Dentener F, de Vries W. Towards a climate-dependent paradigm of ammonia emission and deposition. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 368:20130166. [PMID: 23713128 PMCID: PMC3682750 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing descriptions of bi-directional ammonia (NH3) land-atmosphere exchange incorporate temperature and moisture controls, and are beginning to be used in regional chemical transport models. However, such models have typically applied simpler emission factors to upscale the main NH3 emission terms. While this approach has successfully simulated the main spatial patterns on local to global scales, it fails to address the environment- and climate-dependence of emissions. To handle these issues, we outline the basis for a new modelling paradigm where both NH3 emissions and deposition are calculated online according to diurnal, seasonal and spatial differences in meteorology. We show how measurements reveal a strong, but complex pattern of climatic dependence, which is increasingly being characterized using ground-based NH3 monitoring and satellite observations, while advances in process-based modelling are illustrated for agricultural and natural sources, including a global application for seabird colonies. A future architecture for NH3 emission-deposition modelling is proposed that integrates the spatio-temporal interactions, and provides the necessary foundation to assess the consequences of climate change. Based on available measurements, a first empirical estimate suggests that 5°C warming would increase emissions by 42 per cent (28-67%). Together with increased anthropogenic activity, global NH3 emissions may increase from 65 (45-85) Tg N in 2008 to reach 132 (89-179) Tg by 2100.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Sutton
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK.
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7
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Duretz S, Drouet JL, Durand P, Hutchings NJ, Theobald MR, Salmon-Monviola J, Dragosits U, Maury O, Sutton MA, Cellier P. NitroScape: a model to integrate nitrogen transfers and transformations in rural landscapes. Environ Pollut 2011; 159:3162-3170. [PMID: 21726925 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Modelling nitrogen transfer and transformation at the landscape scale is relevant to estimate the mobility of the reactive forms of nitrogen (N(r)) and the associated threats to the environment. Here we describe the development of a spatially and temporally explicit model to integrate N(r) transfer and transformation at the landscape scale. The model couples four existing models, to simulate atmospheric, farm, agro-ecosystem and hydrological N(r) fluxes and transformations within a landscape. Simulations were carried out on a theoretical landscape consisting of pig-crop farms interspersed with unmanaged ecosystems. Simulation results illustrated the effect of spatial interactions between landscape elements on N(r) fluxes and losses to the environment. More than 10% of the total N(2)O emissions were due to indirect emissions. The nitrogen budgets and transformations of the unmanaged ecosystems varied considerably, depending on their location within the landscape. The model represents a new tool for assessing the effect of changes in landscape structure on N(r) fluxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Duretz
- INRA-AgroParisTech, UMR 1091 Environnement et Grandes Cultures (EGC), 78850 Thiverval-Grignon, France
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8
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Theobald MR, Bealey WJ, Tang YS, Vallejo A, Sutton MA. A simple model for screening the local impacts of atmospheric ammonia. Sci Total Environ 2009; 407:6024-6033. [PMID: 19765803 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2009] [Revised: 08/07/2009] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The dry deposition of ammonia from the atmosphere to the surface can lead to eutrophication of sensitive ecosystems and acidification of the soil. A large proportion of the ammonia emitted from agricultural sources can be deposited within a few kilometres and, therefore, impacts of ammonia dry deposition often occur near to the source. To assess these impacts, short-range atmospheric dispersion models are often applied to simulate the emission, dispersion and deposition of ammonia. However, these models can be time-consuming to run and often require detailed input data and, therefore, for multiple assessments it is useful to have a method of screening to discard scenarios where impacts are expected to be negligible. The SCAIL model (Simple Calculation of Ammonia Impact Limits) has been developed for this purpose. SCAIL estimates the atmospheric concentration and dry deposition at the nearest edge of a sensitive ecosystem (receptor) downwind of an ammonia source. These estimates are calculated based on simple meteorological data, the emission rate of the source, land cover type and distance to the receptor. Analysis of the model predictions showed that uncertainty in the model input data leads to an uncertainty in concentration and dry deposition estimates of 25-30% and 40-45% respectively. Detailed atmospheric dispersion models will also have similar uncertainties since they use similar types of input data. Comparison of the concentration predictions with previous measurements made around eight farms showed that the model significantly underestimated concentrations although the model performance was similar to existing screening techniques. The measurement dataset was used to calibrate the SCAIL model which subsequently performed better, using independent verification data, than existing models calibrated in a similar way. The benefits of the SCAIL model are already being seen in the UK, where it is used to screen farms for potential impacts on statutory nature conservation areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Theobald
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, UK.
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Sutton MA, Nemitz E, Erisman JW, Beier C, Bahl KB, Cellier P, de Vries W, Cotrufo F, Skiba U, Di Marco C, Jones S, Laville P, Soussana JF, Loubet B, Twigg M, Famulari D, Whitehead J, Gallagher MW, Neftel A, Flechard CR, Herrmann B, Calanca PL, Schjoerring JK, Daemmgen U, Horvath L, Tang YS, Emmett BA, Tietema A, Peñuelas J, Kesik M, Brueggemann N, Pilegaard K, Vesala T, Campbell CL, Olesen JE, Dragosits U, Theobald MR, Levy P, Mobbs DC, Milne R, Viovy N, Vuichard N, Smith JU, Smith P, Bergamaschi P, Fowler D, Reis S. Challenges in quantifying biosphere-atmosphere exchange of nitrogen species. Environ Pollut 2007; 150:125-39. [PMID: 17604887 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2006] [Revised: 02/19/2007] [Accepted: 04/15/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent research in nitrogen exchange with the atmosphere has separated research communities according to N form. The integrated perspective needed to quantify the net effect of N on greenhouse-gas balance is being addressed by the NitroEurope Integrated Project (NEU). Recent advances have depended on improved methodologies, while ongoing challenges include gas-aerosol interactions, organic nitrogen and N(2) fluxes. The NEU strategy applies a 3-tier Flux Network together with a Manipulation Network of global-change experiments, linked by common protocols to facilitate model application. Substantial progress has been made in modelling N fluxes, especially for N(2)O, NO and bi-directional NH(3) exchange. Landscape analysis represents an emerging challenge to address the spatial interactions between farms, fields, ecosystems, catchments and air dispersion/deposition. European up-scaling of N fluxes is highly uncertain and a key priority is for better data on agricultural practices. Finally, attention is needed to develop N flux verification procedures to assess compliance with international protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Sutton
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK.
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10
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Dragosits U, Theobald MR, Plac CJ, Lord E, Webb J, Hill J, ApSimon HM, Sutton MA. Ammonia emission, deposition and impact assessment at the field scale: a case study of sub-grid spatial variability. Environ Pollut 2002; 117:147-158. [PMID: 11843529 DOI: 10.1016/s0269-7491(01)00147-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A local ammonia (NH3) inventory for a 5x5 km area in central England was developed, to investigate the variability of emissions, deposition and impacts of NH3 at a field scale, as well as to assess the validity of the UK 5-km grid inventory. Input data were available for the study area for 1993 and 1996 on a field by field basis, allowing NH3 emissions to be calculated for each individual field, separately for livestock grazing, livestock housing and manure storage, landspreading of manures and fertiliser N application to crops and grassland. An existing atmospheric transport model was modified and applied to model air concentrations and deposition of NH3 at a fine spatial resolution (50 m grid). From the mapped deposition estimates and land cover information, critical loads and exceedances were derived. to study the implications of local variability for regional NH3 impacts assessments. The results show that the most extreme local variability in NH3 emissions, deposition and impacts is linked to housing and storage losses. However, landspreading of manures and intensive cattle grazing are other important area sources, which vary substantially in the landscape. Overall, the range of predicted emissions from agricultural land within the study area is 0-2000 kg N ha(-1) year(-1) in 1993 and 0-8000 kg N ha(-1) year(-1) in 1996, respectively, with the peak at a poultry farm located in the study area. On average, the estimated field level NH3 emissions over the study area closely match the emission for the equivalent 5-km grid square in the national inventory for 1996. Deposition and expected impacts are highly spatially variable, with the edges of woodland and small "islands" of semi-natural vegetation in intensive agricultural areas being most at risk from enhanced deposition. Conversely the centres of larger nature reserves receive less deposition than average. As a consequence of this local variability it is concluded that national assessments at the 5 km grid level underestimate the occurrence of critical loads exceedances due to NH3 in agricultural landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Dragosits
- Department of Geography, The University of Edinburgh, UK.
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11
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Theobald MR, Milford C, Hargreaves KJ, Sheppard LJ, Nemitz E, Tang YS, Phillips VR, Sneath R, McCartney L, Harvey FJ, Leith ID, Cape JN, Fowler D, Sutton MA. Potential for ammonia recapture by farm woodlands: design and application of a new experimental facility. ScientificWorldJournal 2001; 1 Suppl 2:791-801. [PMID: 12805830 PMCID: PMC6084167 DOI: 10.1100/tsw.2001.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been increasing pressure on farmers in Europe to reduce the emissions of ammonia from their land. Due to the current financial climate in which farmers have to operate, it is important to identify ammonia control measures that can be adopted with minimum cost. The planting of trees around farmland and buildings has been identified as a potentially effective and low-cost measure to enhance ammonia recapture at a farm level and reduce long-range atmospheric transport. This work assesses experimentally what fraction of ammonia farm woodlands could potentially remove from the atmosphere. We constructed an experimental facility in southern Scotland to simulate a woodland shelterbelt planted in proximity to a small poultry unit. By measuring horizontal and vertical ammonia concentration profiles within the woodland, and comparing this to the concentration of an inert tracer (SF6) we estimate the depletion of ammonia due to dry deposition to the woodland canopy. Together with measurements of mean ammonia concentrations and throughfall fluxes of nitrogen, this information is used to provide a first estimate of the fraction of emitted ammonia that is recaptured by the woodland canopy. Analysis of these data give a lower limit of recapture of emitted ammonia, at the experimental facility, of 3%. By careful design of shelterbelt woodlands this figure could be significantly higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Theobald
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh, UK.
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12
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Theobald MR. The Afghan children of Oodnadatta: a reflection on gender, ethnicity and education in the interwar years. Paedagog Hist 2001; 37:211-230. [PMID: 18198514 DOI: 10.1080/0030923010370113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
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13
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Ayanzen RH, Bird CR, Keller PJ, McCully FJ, Theobald MR, Heiserman JE. Cerebral MR venography: normal anatomy and potential diagnostic pitfalls. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2000; 21:74-8. [PMID: 10669228 PMCID: PMC7976366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE MR venography is often used to examine the intracranial venous system, particularly in the evaluation of dural sinus thrombosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of MR venography in the depiction of the normal intracranial venous anatomy and its variants, to assess its potential pitfalls in the diagnosis of dural venous sinus thrombosis, and to compare the findings with those of conventional catheter angiography. METHODS Cerebral MR venograms obtained in 100 persons with normal MR imaging studies were reviewed to determine the presence or absence of the dural sinuses and major intracranial veins. RESULTS Systematic review of the 100 cases revealed transverse sinus flow gaps in 31% of the cases, with 90% of these occurring in the nondominant transverse sinus and 10% in the codominant transverse sinuses. No flow gaps occurred in the dominant transverse sinuses. The superior sagittal and straight sinuses were seen in every venogram; the occipital sinus was seen in only 10%. The vein of Galen and internal cerebral veins were also seen in every case; the basal veins of Rosenthal were present in 91%. CONCLUSIONS Transverse sinus flow gaps can be observed in as many as 31% of patients with normal MR imaging findings; these gaps should not be mistaken for dural sinus thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Ayanzen
- Department of MRI Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
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Theobald MR, Contractor FM, Kiproff PM, Khoury MB, Chao SH. Embolization of a renal transplant pseudoaneurysm following angiolipoma resection. A case report. Angiology 1994; 45:817-21. [PMID: 8092548 DOI: 10.1177/000331979404500910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The development of a pseudoaneurysm in renal allografts is a well-known complication of percutaneous biopsy. However, the authors report a case of pseudoaneurysm formation in a renal cadaver allograft, following documented angiolipoma resection prior to transplantation. Treatment required superselective embolization with multiple platinum coils.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Theobald
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Allegheny General Hospital, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh
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