Mapping critical loads of nitrogen deposition for aquatic ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains, USA
Environmental Pollution
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Abstract
Spatially explicit estimates of critical loads of nitrogen (N) deposition (CLNdep) for nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems were developed for the Rocky Mountains, USA, using a geostatistical approach. The lowest CLNdep estimates (<1.5 ± 1 kg N ha−1 yr−1) occurred in high-elevation basins with steep slopes, sparse vegetation, and abundance of exposed bedrock and talus. These areas often correspond with areas of high N deposition (>3 kg N ha−1 yr−1), resulting in CLNdep exceedances ≥1.5 ± 1 kg N ha−1 yr−1. CLNdep and CLNdep exceedances exhibit substantial spatial variability related to basin characteristics and are highly sensitive to the NO3− threshold at which ecological effects are thought to occur. Based on an NO3− threshold of 0.5 μmol L−1, N deposition exceeds CLNdep in 21 ± 8% of the study area; thus, broad areas of the Rocky Mountains may be impacted by excess N deposition, with greatest impacts at high elevations.
Suggested Citation
Nanus, L., Clow, D.W., Saros, J.E., Stephens, V.C., and Campbell, D.H., 2012, Mapping critical loads of nitrogen deposition for aquatic ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains, USA: Environmental Pollution, v. 166, p. 125-135, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2012.03.019.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Mapping critical loads of nitrogen deposition for aquatic ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains, USA |
| Series title | Environmental Pollution |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.envpol.2012.03.019 |
| Volume | 166 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Contributing office(s) | Colorado Water Science Center |
| Description | 11 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Environmental Pollution |
| First page | 125 |
| Last page | 135 |
| Country | United States |
| Other Geospatial | Rocky Mountains |