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Enhancement of nitrogen deposition to forest trees exposed to SO2

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Abstract

DEPOSITION of atmospheric nitrogen compounds, particularly ammonia, is postulated to have a variety of deleterious effects1, including damage to soils, trees and other vegetation1-6. We report here that fumigation of coniferous trees in the open air with sulphur dioxide (13 and 22 p.p.b.–parts in 109 by volume) produced an increased deposition of atmospheric NH3 to foliage. A mechanism for co-deposition of NH3 and SO2 to wet surfaces has been suggested7,8. As concentrations of NH3 at the site are not unusually high (annual mean, 4p.p.b.)9, this mechanism may enhance nitrogen deposition over large areas of Europe. It may also account for some results of experimental fumigations previously attributed to SO2 alone.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Terrestrial Ecology Group, National Power Technology and Environmental Centre, Kelvin Avenue, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7SE, UK

    A. R. McLeod, P. J. A. Shaw, P. M. Sutherland, N. M. Darrall & R. A. Skeffington

  2. Department of Biology, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK

    M. R. Holland

Authors
  1. A. R. McLeod
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  2. M. R. Holland
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  3. P. J. A. Shaw
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  4. P. M. Sutherland
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  5. N. M. Darrall
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  6. R. A. Skeffington
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McLeod, A., Holland, M., Shaw, P. et al. Enhancement of nitrogen deposition to forest trees exposed to SO2. Nature 347, 277–279 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1038/347277a0

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