Studies on Atmospheric Pollution,Acid Rain and Emission Control for their Precursors in Chongqing,China

Chongqing City in China has suffered from serious air pollution and acid rain caused by low graded raw coal (sulfur=ca. 3≈5%, ash=ca. 30%) combustion. In this paper, the situation of atmospheric pollution and acid rain in Chongqing are discussed, the reduction efficiency for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) with the bio-briquetting of the raw coal that is one of countermeasures for emission control of air pollutants due to domestic consumes was determined. The research indicated that the frequency of acid rain was high, more than 50% at urban area, and its pH was low, about 4.5. Under our experimental conditions, the reducing efficiency of sulfur SO₂ emission from high sulfur coal-biomass briquette amounted to 87%. The field investigation indicated that SO₂ indoor concentrations in case of using bio-briquette dropped to 1/2≈1/3 of the raw coal.     

Simulation of Dry Deposition Rates of Acidic Pollutants—An Assessment of Deposition Pathways in Hiroshima, Japan

A eulerian grid photochemical transport and dispersion model was used to simulate the dry deposition rates of nitrogen (as HNO₃) and sulfur (as SO₂) in Hiroshima, west Japan. Seasonal patterns of predicted dry deposition fluxes reveal that HNO₃ is most prevalent at more remote locations while SO₂ is deposited near to and slightly downwind from the major emission sources. The predicted dry deposition rates of HNO₃ and SO₂ were compared to the values measured at Mt. Gokurakuji (located in Hatsukaichi) and in Hiroshima City. The simulation results show that the model under-predicted (about 44% and 80%, respectively) both nitrogen and sulfur deposition rates at Mt. Gokurakuji and in Hiroshima City, indicating that the acid deposition in Hiroshima prefecture is possibly affected by long-range transboundary transport of acidic pollutants. Comparison of wet to dry deposition ratios (4.5 and 8.7 for nitrogen and 4.6 and 7.0 for sulfur) from the two observation sites above indicates that wet deposition maybe the most important acid deposition pathway in Hiroshima, Japan.     

Pattern and cause of acidic deposition in the Chongqing region,Sichuan Province,China

The Chongqing region located in Sichuan Province of China, comprises a large city, many small towns and rural areas. The region relies heavily on high-sulfur coal for energy production. Atmospheric pollution by sulfur oxides and other compounds from coal burning has become a major issue. Acid rain is observed throughout the region; volume weighted average pH is about 4.30. Average total S deposition for the region is estimated to be about 8 g S m^?2 yr^?1. In this paper we report concentrations of major ions in rain, fog, dew and clouds, of SO₂ in air and of airborne particles as well as dustfall. The emissions and interactions between important chemical species in air and water droplets are discussed.     

Measurement of Indoor Sulfur Dioxide Emission from Coal–Biomass Briquettes

The coal–biomass briquette is an alternative fuel that replaces low-grade coal. It is expected that the use of coal–biomass briquettes will effectively reduce the indoor concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emitted during raw coal combustion. In this study, indoor concentrations of SO₂ emitted from combustion of either coal–biomass briquettes or low-grade coal in households in Nanchuan, which is in the rural area of Chongqing City, China, were measured. The acidic gases were collected using passive samplers, and the samplers were taken to the laboratory for extraction and measurement. The SO₂ concentrations resulting from the use of coal–biomass briquettes were clearly reduced compared with those resulting from the use of low-grade coal. The concentrations of SO₂ to which the inhabitants (housewives) of the houses were exposed were also measured, and were found to be less with coal–biomass briquettes. Although with coal–biomass briquettes exposure concentrations still exceeded the World Health Organization guideline for SO₂ (125 μ g m^?3), indoor air pollution and adverse effects on human health caused by SO₂ could be decreased by substituting coal–biomass briquettes for low-grade coal as a domestic fuel.     

Rains-Asia Model Application to China: Policy Implications for Sulfur Control

China's continuing dependence on coal suggests a need for a cost-effective strategy to address SO₂ and acid rain impacts. Results of modeling studies show that although there are important transboundary aspects of acid rain in Asia, the majority of emissions and damages lie within China. This implies that intra-regional cooperation within China, and cost-effective sulfur control are paramount for limiting acid rain damages. This article discusses the costs and benefits of six primary and secondary control and policy options using the RAINS-ASIA and UR-BAT models. The local health benefits were estimated to be an order of magnitude larger than the ecosystem benefits at the regional level. All abatement options involve substantial costs, except intensive energy efficiency which is the most cost effective with the rate of return of almost 200 per dollar as compared to around 6 for the other options.     

Atmospheric SO2 Pollution and Acidity of Rain in Changchun China

It is mainly SO₂ that bring about acid rain in China. Changchun City, which is located in Northeast China, is a typical city that is polluted by SO₂ from coal combustion in winter. In winter, the daily mean concentration of atmospheric SO₂ is about 0.10mg/m³ and about 5 times as high as in summer, and the daily highest concentration usually appears in daybreak and nightfall. The monitored lowest pH value of rainwater was 4.8 in spring and the range of pH value of rain/snow was 5.2–6.0 in winter, 4.8–5.8 in spring, 5.4–6.4 in summer, 5.6–6.4 in autumn, and the annual mean pH value of rainfalls was 5.8 (1999–2000). Because the alkaline aerosol from soil, meteorological conditions etc., is unfavorable to acid rain formation, even though high SO₂ emission intensity existed in winter, the acid rain did not appear obviously. The aerosol character, climate conditions in Northeast China are important factors for the acid rain formation, although SO₂ emission is the original cause.     

Effects of sulphuric acid and acidifying ammonium deposition on water quality and vegetation of simulated soft water ecosystems

In a greenhouse, seven identical mini-ecosystems, simulating soft water ponds, were exposed to different types of artificial rain water. The effects of rain water containing H₂SO₄ and nitrate, and rain water containing ammonium sulphate on water quality and vegetation were studied and compared. Causal relations were established between rain water quality, water chemistry and changes in floristic composition. Ammonium sulphate deposition, particularly, strongly affected water quality and vegetation development. Although ammonium sulphate deposition was only slightly acid, due to nitrification it acted as an important acid source, causing acidification to pH=3.8. Under acidified conditions, ammonium sulphate deposition lead to a luxuriant growth ofJuncus bulbosus andAgrostis canina. In the mini-ecosystems, H₂SO₄ deposition with a pH of 3.5 only decreased the pH of the water to 5.1 within 1 yr. The acidification of water appeared to be coupled with changes in alkalinity, sulphate, Al, Cd, Ca, Mg, K and inorganic-N. It is concluded that in NH₃-affected regions in The Netherlands, the high atmospheric deposition of ammonium sulphate probably contributes to a large extent in the acidification, eutrophication and floristic changes of oligotrophic soft waters.     

Project rain: Changing acid deposition to whole catchments. The first year of treatment

Project Rain (Reversing Acidification In Norway) is a 5-yr international research project aimed at investigating the effect on water and soil chemistry of changing acid deposition to whole catchments. The project comprises 2 parallel large-scale experimental manipulations -- artificial acidification at Sogndal and exclusion of acid rain at Risdalsheia. Treatment at Sogndal commenced April 1984 with the acidification of the snowpack by addition of H₂SO₄ (SOG2) and a 1:1 mixture of H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ (SOG4). Preliminary results indicate rapid and significant response in runoff chemistry to the acid treatment; pH decreased (to as low as 4.1 during snowmelt in 1984); SO₄, NO₃, and labile Al increased. Response during snowmelt 1985 was modest relative to 1984. At Risdalsheia treatment began in June 1984 with the mounting of the transparent panels on the roofs at KIM catchment (treatment by deacidified rain) and EGIL catchment (control with ambient acid rain). Preliminary data for the first year indicate that most runoff samples from KIM contain much lower NO₃ concentrations, about 20 to 30% lower SO₄ levels and pH 0.1 to 0.3 units higher than runoff from EGIL catchment. The treatments continue in 1985–87. Project RAIN provides experimental evidence bearing on target loading, reversibility of acidification, and the processes linking acid deposition, soil acidification and freshwater acidification.     

Quantitative and Qualitative Changes of Precipitation Input to the Ojców National Park (South Poland) during 1997–1999

Changes of the qualitative and quantitative features of snow and rain during the winter and the vegetation period, respectively, were studied during three years (1997–1999). The sites were located on Che?mova Góra Mt. in the Ojców National Park (South Poland), which is one of the most polluted areas in Poland. Standard methods of measuring bulk precipitation were used according to the ICP Forest Manual. One plot was near the summit part (OPN2), and the other plot was in the lower part close to the foot (OPN5) of the Che?mowa Góra Mt. The total amount of Ca decreased during the study period, while NO₃ ^? and SO₄ ^?2 decreased only in the vegetation period. During the winter period the snow carried high amounts of Cl^?, NO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^?2, Na, Mg, and Ca. A decrease in pH was noticed during the winter periods, whereas an increase in pH was found during the vegetation period. Higher element concentrations were always found in the upper plot compared to the lower situated plot. This indicated that the upper and more exposed parts of the mountains in the Park were under higher pollution stress.     

Dry Deposition of Atmospheric Sulphur and Nitrogen in Russia and the Former USSR

Generally, dry deposition processes are very important for atmospheric chemistry of pollutants providing up to 30–80 % of the removal for certain compounds from the atmosphere. The model for calculating of dry deposition fluxes for a large territory seems unsophisticated in spite of the dependence on surface characteristics, pollutant properties and atmospheric conditions. The approach of combining monthly average concentrations measured at the Integrated Background Monitoring Network (IBMoN) and EMEP stations and linear dry deposition velocity was used to calculate total sulphur and nitrogen fluxes for the whole of the former Soviet Union (FSU) taking into account large-scale geographical variability in climate and lands. Most values of all SO₂ and SO₄ ^2? concentrations were below 2.9 and 3.1 mgS/m³, and NO₂ concentration were 1.5 mgN/m³ over European part and 0.6 mgN/m³ in Western Siberia. The long-term trends of oxidised sulphur and nitrogen compounds in the atmosphere were examined for 1982–1998 in certain FSU regions. Annual dry deposition of sulphur was estimated as 3.64 Mt S (in sulphate form) and 2.76 Mt S (in SO₂ form) for the whole area of FSU. Annual removal of NO₂ by dry deposition was calculated at 1.27 Mt N. These values constituted between 44 and 50% of total oxidised sulphur and nitrogen deposition.     

Determination of Deposition and Leaves in Teak Plantations in Thailand

This paper outlines the results to date of the continuing acidic deposition study from 1997 in three teak plantations at the Na Pralan, Klangdong, and Donglan villages of Thailand. The aim of this study was to examine the impact on teak plantations of acid deposition — the increasing flow of chemical compounds including CO₂, SO₂, NO₂, and NO_x into the atmosphere. The 1997–1999 results showed no symptoms of acidity of the precipitation in the teak plantations at the treated sites (Na Pralan and Klangdong). During this period, the pHs of stemflow and throughfall were still over 7; and the pHs of the rainfall were around 7, except at Klandong where it dropped to around 5 in 1999. The pH and EC values were higher at the polluted sites than at the control site; this may be attributed to contamination with lime dust from nearby industrial plants, including cement factories and quarrying mills. Fresh leaves were contaminated with Sulphur to quite high levels at the Na Pralan site. This contamination seems to have affected the physiology, biomass and chemical content of the leaves. It might be due to pollution gases (SO₂ and NO_x) from the heavy trucks on the nearby Phaholyothin road. However, these gases could not be detected by a gas detector even though pollution seemed quite heavy. This study did not detect acid rain damage to the teak plantations.     

Study on Winter Air Pollution Control in Lanzhou,China

Air pollution control is one of the most important issues in thecities of the developing countries. Based on an analysis of the local economic and technological development the paper puts forward 9 air pollution control schemes. They are 4 briquette schemes, 2 coal gas schemes, 1 centralized heating system and 2 comprehensive schemes. A comprehensive diffusion model combined with a 3-D advection-diffusion equation and the Gaussian puffmodel is developed and verified. According to the calculation ofpotential reduction of pollutant discharge and the correspondingair quality improvement made by each air pollution controlscheme, the paper then works out a feasible and comprehensiveair pollution control scheme, which is characterized by lowinvestment and better environmental benefits. When the scheme isefficiently carried out, 19.3% SO₂ and 24.4% sootdischarge is to be reduced annually in the city. There is aclear descent of air pollution concentration. The daily mean concentration of SO₂ and TSP declines 24.6–75.4%and 10.4–45.4%, respectively. SO₂ concentation of the whole city does not exceed the second grade of the Ambient Air Quality Standard of China except at a few grid points.     

Effect of sulphur dioxide on precipitation and on the sulphur content and acidity of soils in Alberta,Canada

Rain and snow in Alberta are seldom acid. The S content of snow is so low that the snow pack gives a deposition of less than 1 kg S ha^?1, even downwind from large SO₂ emission sources. Rainfall contributes at the most 4 kg S ha^?1 yearly near SO₂ sources, and only about 1 kg S ha^?1 in clean areas. However, rain intercepted by forest trees exposed to SO₂ emission becomes acid (pH 3.5 to 4.5) and has a S content of 3 to 4 times greater than rain. Soils absorb large amounts of S from emissions (up to 50 kg S ha ^?1 annually) but much of the S is found in non-sulphate form. Soils are slowly acidified by the SO₂ at a rate estimated at 1 pH unit in 10 to 20 yr. Water surfaces will absorb SO₂ emissions at a rate of about 4 to 15 kg S ha^?1 annually. Particulates deposit 3 to 4 times as much S as is deposited by rainfall.     

Cloud Water Deposition to Forest Canopies of Cryptomeria Japonica at Mt.Rokko, Kobe, Japan

Cloud water deposition to canopies of Cryptomeria japonica at Mt.Rokko, Kobe, Japan, was estimated from throughfall measurements and fog water collections carried out during a full year. Annual cloud frequency was 11.5–15.5% and liquid water content (LWC) was 0.059 g/m³. Since cloud water deposition on to forest canopies was significantly correlated with the amount of fog water collected, the former parameter could be quantitatively derived from throughfall measurements. Annual cloud water deposition on to Cryptomeria canopies was 1420–2860 mm (Av. 2140 mm), corresponding to 90–180% (Av. 122%) of annual rainfall. The rate of deposition was higher at the mountain ridge and the forest edge than at the mountain side and the forest interior. Annual deposition of SO₄ ^2?, NO₃ ^?, H⁺ and NH₄ ⁺ from cloud water was estimated as 204, 153, 2.5 and 58 kg/ha, respectively, equivalent to 5.8–11.7 times the corresponding deposition via rain. The values are equal to, or exceed, the maximum deposition reported for Appalachian forests in the eastern United States. Multiple regression analyses indicate that cloud water deposition on to Cryptomeria canopies was significantly correlated with the following three parameters: cloud frequency, LWC, and wind speed. Thus, these three factors apparently control cloud water deposition on to forest canopies.     

A Mixed-Integer Optimization Technique for Developing a Sulfur Emission Control Strategy for China

The economical development and increasing population of China and other East Asian countries is expected to be accompanied by an increase in the emission of air pollutants. The objective of this study is to develop an effective and economical emission control strategy for sulfur in East Asia. There are existing methods for controlling sulfur emission, such as changing to lower sulfur content fuel, introducing desulfurization devices for emission sources, and promoting efficient energy use. The applicability of such measures is restricted by both energy supply and control cost, amongst other concerns. As a case study, an optimal control strategy based on the estimated sulfur emission for China in 2010, is simulated using a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming technique with several restrictions that satisfies, among other constraints, the atmospheric environment requirements for SO₂ and the soil load limit for SO₄ deposition.     

Peroxide Concentrations in Fog Water at Mountainous Sites in Japan

Measurements of peroxide concentrations in fog water were conducted near the summit of Mt. Norikura (altitude, 2770m) in central Japan, and at the midslope of Mt. Oyama (altitude, 680m), southwest of the Kanto Plain. The concentrations of peroxide at Mt. Norikura, far from industrial regions, ranged from 3 to 120 µ M during the summer and early autumn in 1993. The potential capacity for SO₂ oxidation appears to be very high near the summit of Mt. Norikura. Analysis of the chemical composition of three-stage size-fractionated fog water samples collected at Mt. Norikura showed that the concentrations of peroxide were apparently independent of droplet size, whereas the concentrations of chemical constituents mainly derived from secondary aerosols and the acidity were higher in smaller droplets. Peroxide concentrations in fog water were low (< 5 µ M) at Mt. Oyama, located near heavy industrial areas, and lower than those in rain water sampled simultaneously (0.2–33 µ M). Especially, peroxide was scarcely detected in strongly acidic fogs (< 0.2 µ M). Peroxide might have been decomposed by SO₂ (S(IV)) oxidation in the aqueous-phase.     

Effect of simulated sulfuric acid rain on the chemistry of a sulfate-adsorbing forest soil

Simulated H₂SO₄ rain (pH 3.0, 3.5, 4.0) or control rain (pH 5.6) was applied for 3.5 yr to large lysimeter boxes containing a sulfate-adsorbing forest soil and either red alder (Alnus rubra Bong) or sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) seedlings. After removal of the plants and the litter layer, soil samples were obtained at 15-cm intervals to a total depth of 90 cm. Elevated SO₄ concentrations caused by the simulated H₂SO₄ rain were most pronounced for the top 15 cm, but extended down to 45 cm (maple) or 75 cm (alder). There were no effects on SO₄ concentrations at a depth of 75 to 90 em. This confirmed the existence of a sulfate front between 20 cm and 100 cm, as postulated earlier on the basis of extracted soil solutions. Decreases in Mg and Ca concentrations, base saturation, and soil pH were limited to the uppermost 15 cm and, in most cases, to the pH 3.0 treatment. Concentrations of Mg and Ca for the pH 3.0 treatments were greater than control at a depth of 15 to 30 cm, indicating transport of these cations from the soil surface. Concentrations of Na and K, and cation exchange capacity, were not affected by simulated H₂SO₄ rain. Elevated concentrations of NO₃ and extractable Zn throughout the alder systems indicated (1) either increased rates of symbiotic N-fixation or decreased rates of N immobilization; and (2) mobilization of Zn by all acid rain treatments.     

Lysimeter study of effects of acid deposition on properties and leaching of gleyed dystric brunisolic soil in Norway

The effects of artificial rain of various acidities were studied in a lysimeter experiment. Lysimeters, 29 cm in diameter, and 40 cm deep contained a Gleyed Dystric Brunisol. Natural structure, stratification and original vegetation were maintained. Artificial rain was produced from groundwater with “high” concentrations of neutral salts and from rainwater with lower concentrations. pH levels of 6, 4, 3 and 2 were established by adding H₂SO₄. Effects of dilution with given amounts of acid were examined by comparing the effects of 50 mm “rain” month^?1 of pH 3 and pH 2 with 500 mm “rain” month^?1 of pH 4 and pH 3, respectively. The study continued for 5 yr. Totals of 1250 or 12500 mm “rain” were applied in addition to a natural input of 2773 mm. Increased input of SO₄ ^2? increased the output of SO₄ ^2? but, as concentration increased, sorption of SO₄ ^2? in the soil also increased. Concentrations of base cations in the leachate increased parallel to the output of SO₄ ^2?. However, significant effects on leaching of base cations and on the content of exchangeable cations in the soil, was only found in the pH 2 treatment with 1250 mm of “rain” and in the pH 4 and pH 3 treatment with 12500 mm of “rain”.     

Satellite Analysis of Volcanic Clouds and Transport of Acidic Substances from Mt. Aso and Mt. Sakurajima

The satellite images of volcanic clouds in Kyushu, Japan during September–November 1989 were studied in connection with the mountain site measurement of atmospheric qualities at Unzen-Nodake and the SO₂ concentration data at Aso Volcano Museum. The images strongly indicate that many high concentration events of SO₂ were the results of the long-range transport of volcanic gas from Mt. Aso and Mt. Sakurajima to these stations. Brief comments on the 2000 eruption of Miyake-jima volcano are added.     

Climate confounds detection of chemical trends related to acid deposition in upper Midwest lakes in the USA

Between 1983–94, as acid deposition rates declined, SO₄ ^2? concentrations decreased in 18 of 28 lakes monitored by the upper Midwest LTM program. The expected recovery of ANC and pH was less common, however. Differences in climate may account for divergent trend patterns across the region. Only in Minnesota, where climatic shifts were less pronounced, did we observe a general pattern of increasing lake ANC and pH accompanying declines in SO₄ ^2?. In contrast, the widespread negative trends in lake SO₄ ^2? in the upper Michigan lakes were generally not associated with recovery of ANC and pH, but with decreases in Ca+Mg. These cation decreases may be linked to decreased groundwater inputs during the drier climatic conditions characterizing the study period and decreases in Ca+Mg in atmospheric deposition. In many of the Wisconsin lakes, an overall decline in SO₄ ^2? was precluded by SO₄ ^2? increases during a 4-year drought midway through the study period. During the drought, declining lake water level and volume caused evaporative concentration of solutes, and may have decreased the areal extent of sulfate reduction. Despite controls on sulfur emissions across the region, recovery of pH and ANC has been hindered by climatic shifts and concurrent decreases in atmospheric deposition of cations.