Hotspots of nitrogen deposition in the world's urban areas: a global data synthesis. Issue 2 (9th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Decina, Stephen M; Hutyra, Lucy R; Templer, Pamela H
• Is Part Of: Frontiers in ecology and the environment. Volume 18:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 100
• Publication Date: 2019-12-09
• Subjects: Ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Ecology; Environmental sciences; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/fee.2143
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1540-9295

Abstract

Abstract : Human activities have altered the global nitrogen (N) cycle, elevating rates of atmospheric N deposition up to tenfold above pre‐industrial levels, with consequences for ecosystem function and human health. To date, most N deposition studies have been carried out in rural areas; however, there has been a recent surge of N deposition studies conducted in urban ecosystems due to the increased recognition that humans are greatly altering the N cycle in these environments. We synthesized data from 174 publications over a period of 40 years that examined rates of N deposition in urban and nearby rural areas worldwide. Results of this meta‐analysis help to quantify urban N deposition, demonstrate that total N deposition in cities is predominately composed of chemically reduced – as opposed to oxidized – forms of N like ammonia, and identify regional hotspots of urban N deposition, particularly in China. These findings highlight the need to examine and address the N cycle in cities as the world continues to urbanize.