Abstract
Nitrogen deposition calculations for Europe were performed by separate models describing the long-range transport of ammonia and oxidized N. A linearized version of a non-linear atmospheric chemistry model was used for calculating oxidized N. Model computations were found to be consistent with the observed spatial pattern of wet nitrate deposition in Europe. Interannual meteorological variability was estimated to cause a typical year-to-year variation in annual oxidized N deposition of about 6 to 10%. Nitrogen deposition was computed for several NO x emissions reduction scenarios. These scenarios were derived from an OECD study and applied to the 27 largest countries in Europe. Most reduction scenarios affected the deposition pattern of oxidized N, but the most extreme NO x emission reduction scenario did not change very much the overall pattern of total (oxidized N plus ammonia N) N deposition. Depending on the desired level of environmental protection, it may be necessary to reduce ammonia emissions in addition to NO x emissions in order to reduce N deposition in Europe.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Agren, G. and Kauppi, P.: 1983, ‘Nitrogen Dynamics in European Forest Ecosystems: Considerations Regarding Anthropogenic Nitrogen Depositions’, Collaborative Paper CP-83-28, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, A-2361, Laxenburg, Austria.
Alcamo, J. and Posch, M.: 1986, ‘Effect of Interannual Meteorological Variability on Computed Sulfur Deposition in Europe’, in J. Alcamo and J. Bartnicki (eds.), Atmospheric Computations to Assess Acidification in Europe: Work in Progress. Research Report RR-86-5, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, A-2361, Laxenburg, Austria.
Alcamo, J.: 1988, ‘Uncertainty of Forecasted Sulfur Depositions Due to Uncertain Spatial Distribution of SO2 Emissions’, in H. van Dop (ed.), Air Pollution Modeling and its Applications VI. Plenum, New York, pp., 283–292.
Alcamo, J. and Bartnicki, J.: 1988, ‘Nitrogen Deposition Calculations for Europe’. Working Paper WP-88-025, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, A-2361, Laxenburg, Austria.
Alcamo, J., ApSimon, H., and Builtjes, P. (eds.): 1987a, ‘Interregional Air Pollutant Transport: the Linearity Question’. Research Report RR-87-20, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria.
Alcamo, J., Amman, M., Hettelingh, J. P., Holmberg, M., Hordijk, L., Kämäri, J., Kauppi, L., Kauppi, P., Kornai, G., and Mäkelä, A.: 1987b, Ambio 16, 232.
Andersen, B.: 1986, ‘Impact of Nitrogen Deposition’, in J. Nilsson (ed.), Critical Loads for Sulfur and Nitrogen, Environment Report, 86:11, Nordic Council of Ministers, pp. 159–198.
Asman, W. A. H. and Janssen, A.: 1987, Atmospheric Environment 21, 2099.
Buijsman, E., Maas, J. M., and Asman, W. A. H.: 1987, Atmospheric Environment 21, 1009.
Derwent, R. G.: 1986, ‘The Nitrogen Budget for the United Kingdom and Northwest Europe’, ETSU-Report-37, ETSU, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.
Derwent, R. G. and Nodop, K.: 1986, Nature 324, 356.
Derwent, R. G.: 1987a, ‘Combatting the Long Range Transport and Deposition of Acidic Nitrogen Species in Europe’, AERE Report-R12799, Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.
Derwent, R. G.: 1987b, Atmospheric Environment 21, 1445.
E.C.E.: 1986, ‘Draft Conclusions on Long Range Transport of Nitrogen Oxides in the Atmosphere’, UN Document EB.AIRIWG.3/R.7. U.N. Sales Office, Geneva or New York.
E.C.E.: 1987, ‘National Strategies and Policies for Air Pollution Abatement’, Report ECE/EB.AIR/14, New York. U.N. Sales Office, Geneva or New York.
E.C.E.: 1988, ‘Draft Report — Critical Loads Workshop’, Economic Commission for Europe Working Group on Transboundary Air Pollution Effects.
Eliassen, A. and Saltbones, J.: 1983, Atmospheric Environment 17, 1457.
Lübkert, B.: 1987, ‘A Model for Estimating Nitrogen Oxide Emissions in Europe’, Working Paper WP87-122, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, A-2361, Laxenburg, Austria.
Lübkert, B. and de Tilly, S.: 1988, Atmospheric Environment, 22.
Lübkert, B., Derwent, D., Alcamo, J., and Bartnicki, J.: 1989, Environmental Pollution 58, 237.
McLaughlin, S. B.: 1985, J. Air Poll. Control Assoc. 35, 512.
Nilsson, J. (ed.): 1986, ‘Critical Loads for Nitrogen and Sulfur’, Nordic Council of Ministers Report. 1986:11.
NILU (Norwegian Institute for Air Research): 1984, Summary Report from the Chemical Coordinating Center for the Second Phase of EMEP, EMEP/CCC Report 2/84. NILU, Postboks 130, N-2001, Lillestrøm, Norway.
Nodop, K.: 1987, ‘Nitrate and Sulfate Wet Deposition in Europe’, in Physico-Chemical Behaviour of Atmospheric Pollutants, D. Reidel, Boston.
OECD: 1987, ‘Selected Emission Reduction Scenarios to Reduce Photochemical Smog’. Environment Committee Report ENV/AIR/87.10.
OECD: 1988, ‘Emission Inventory for OECD Europe’, Environment Committee Report ENV/AIR/87.8 (2nd revision) (restricted document).
Saltbones, J. and Lien, T.: 1988, ‘Report on Nitrogen Oxide Emissions’, EMEP-MSC-W Report.
Semb, A. and Amble, E.,: 1981, ‘Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides from Fossil Fuel Combustion in Europe’, NILU Report 13/81.
Thomas, R.: 1988, Personal Communication
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
In this paper we will use ‘NO y ’ as a symbol for oxidized forms of N which are deposited and ‘NO x ’ for oxidized N which is emitted. NO x includes mostly NO and NO2 gases, whereas NO y includes dry deposited NO, NO x and HNO3, as well as N measured as NO −3 in precipitation.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bartnicki, J., Alcamo, J. Calculating nitrogen deposition in Europe. Water Air Soil Pollut 47, 101–123 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00469001
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00469001