Effects of Air Pollution on Ecosystems
Land & Water Pollution From Airborne Pollutants Environmental Study
Oct 16, 2009
“Although air pollution is an acknowledged widespread problem, it is rarely considered in conservation planning...” according to an article titled, “Effects of Air Pollution on Ecosystems and Biological Diversity in the Eastern United States.”
The article is published on the the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY, U.S.A. website, dated June, 2008. The principal authors are Gary M. Lovett, PhD. and Timothy H. Tear PhD. The contributing authors are:
- Evers DC.
- Findlay SE.
- Cosby BJ.
- Dunscomb JK.
- Driscoll CT.
- Weathers KC.
A Cary Institute summary of the article, dated April 2009, is published on the PubMed website. To access the summary, the article name can be typed in the PubMed search box.
The mission of the Cary Institute is to generate non-biased scientific information from research by its scientists and other scientific groups. The accumulated scientific studies information is then disseminated through teaching, writing and exhibits. The Institute claims to participate in “decision-making regarding ecological management.
Sulfur, nitrogen, ozone, and mercury impacts on eight ecosystem types are summarized in the article. The two ecosystem types mentioned as examples are sea arms extending to the mouth of rivers, and alpine treeless lowland areas.
Effects of Water Pollution in Aquatic Ecosystems
“In aquatic ecosystems, effects [from air pollution] of acidity, nitrogen, and mercury...are well documented,” states the Cary Institute. The effect on lakes is largely acidification which contributes to “eutrophication of estuaries [excess of organic and mineral nutrients causing algae and cyanobacteria to grow quickly depleting oxygen supply for plants and living organisms in water].”
Land Pollution Effects on Terrestrial Ecosystems
“In terrestrial ecosystems...effects of air pollution on bio-accumulation [accumulation of toxic chemicals in tissues of terrestrial living organisms] cycling is well documented, “ states the Cary Institute.
Land Pollution from damaging nitrogen deposits on grassland, alpine, bogs, and forest areas is “well understood.” Damaging forest mycorrhizae (fungus on plant roots) is also “well documented.” Soil acidification, caused from nitrogen deposits, is damaging to forest areas.
Ozone causes reduced photosynthesis (plants using light as an energy source) over the long term in “many” plants, states the article. Acidification and depletion of oxygen supply (eutrophication) “...can propagate throughout the food webs...” which in turn affects organisms not directly subjected to airborne pollution.
Climate Change: Air Pollutants and Invasive Species Link
The Cary Institute article expresses concern that serious gaps in environmental science knowledge exists when evaluating ecosystem impacts with a combination of multiple air pollutants, changes in climate, and “invasive species [plants or animals that damage habitats].”
The impacts of air pollution on bio-diversity and ecosystems are “widespread in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, “ according to the Cary Institute website article. The summary advises that the cumulative effects of air pollution be considered in long-term conservation strategies, and “critical loads” standards should be adopted.
The Farlex Encyclopedia on-line provides additional information about the chemical pollutants listed in the Cary Institute article. The chemical names can be entered in the Farlex search box.
The Cary Institute advises that "serious" gaps exists in “multiple pollutant” impacts research. The article suggests that multiple pollutants, climate change, and invasive species be considered together (“critical loads”) when monitoring and forecasting combined impacts on ecosystems.
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