Environmental significance of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the transition zone between the Tibetan Plateau and arid region. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baijuan, Zhang; Zongxing, Li; Qi, Feng; Juan, Gui; Yue, Zhao; Baiting, Zhang
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 307:Part 4(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Atmospheric nitrogen deposition -- Environmental effects -- Quantifying -- Qilian mountains; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: The ecological effect of atmospheric N deposition has become a hot research point along with intensive human activities and global climatic change. As the transition zone between the Tibetan Plateau and the arid region, the Qilian Mountains are important ecological barriers and source regions of inland rivers in northwest China. However, the quantification of N deposition in the transition zone between the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and the arid region remains unclear, primarily due to the lack of in situ measurements. Hence, an observational study was conducted on the Qilian Mountains, and precipitation data were collected. Approximately 1382 samples were collected and analyzed regarding their characteristics and environmental effects of the atmospheric N wet deposition. The annual wet deposition of atmospheric N was 10.05 kg/hm 2, and showed a decreasing trend from the south to the north of the Qilian Mountains. NO3 − -N deposition was the main form of wet deposition of atmospheric N on the Qilian Mountains, accounting for 73.83% of the DIN deposition. Additionally, altitude, meteorological factors, and ecosystem types were found to influence the wet deposition of atmospheric N. The contribution of NO3 − -N to the wet deposition of atmospheric N in meadows, forests, grasslands, farmlands, and towns was 48.38%, 71.55%, 77.54%, 69.61%, and 82.84%, respectively. This study provides a scientific basis for the effective management and sustainable development of environmental protection in the transition zone between the TP and the arid region. The results showed that relevant policies, as well as scientific and governmental measures, could contribute to reducing N deposition effectively. However, the further mitigation measures should be proposed and strictly enforced. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: 1. The wet deposition of atmospheric N was 10.05 kg/hm 2 in the Qilian Mountains. 2. NO3 − -N deposition was the main form of wet deposition of atmospheric N. 3. Contribution of NO3 − -N to the wet deposition of atmospheric N in towns was 82.84%. 4. Good ecological protection can contribute to the regulation of N pollution.