6533b828fe1ef96bd1288d1c
RESEARCH PRODUCT
The spatial dynamics of atmospheric pollution in Latvia and the Baltic Republics, as measured in mosses, topsoil and precipitation
Olgérts NikodēmusGuntis Brumelissubject
PollutantTopsoilDeposition (aerosol physics)Fly ashGeography Planning and DevelopmentEnvironmental engineeringEnvironmental scienceFossil fuel combustionAtmospheric pollutionPrecipitationCombustionAtmospheric sciencesdescription
Atmospheric pollution in the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania has been mapped using measurements of pollutant concentrations in mosses, topsoil and precipitation. Air masses from western Europe deposit industrial pollutants in the Baltic region and concentrations depend on meteorological conditions. Superimposed on this background is the pattern of deposits from local sources. Large areas receive neutral to basic precipitation due to cement industries and fly ash emissions from fossil fuel combustion. The burning of oil-shale in NE Estonia results in precipitation with pH values over 7.0, and high concentrations of V, Fe, and Cd. Heavy metal concentrations in the topsoil around large cities indicate ecologically unsound city planning and insufficient control of pollutants. The Chernobyl effect in the form of radioactive deposition depended on rainfall events during the accident.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994-05-01 | GeoJournal |