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.
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 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |