Critical loads of sulphur and nitrogen for terrestrial ecosystems in Lithuania

Abstract

This paper presents the deposition variation of sulphur and nitrogen compounds and the exceedance of their critical loads for terrestrial ecosystems. The analysis is based on a steady-state approach, involving the comparison of deposition fluxes with critical loads to identify areas where critical loads are exceeded. The critical load concept is widely used as a tool for developing emission control policies in Europe. Critical loads for acidity, nitrogen, and sulphur have been calculated for Lithuania as a signatory country of the Convention of Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. In addition, the comparison of sulphur deposition with critical loads for eutrophication yielded an exceedance in southern, southeastern, southwestern, and central parts of Lithuanian ecosystems. Deposition of sulphur as well as oxidized and reduced nitrogen from anthropogenic sources remains low over the central and some northern part of the country but are signicant in eastern areas.
Keywords: nitrogen, sulphur, critical loads, deposition, ecosystems, mass balance method
PACS: 91.62.Mn, 92.20.jp