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Will PM control undermine China's efforts to reduce soil acidification?
1School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|June 17, 2011
Summary
China
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Soil Science
Background:
- China's environmental policies aim to reduce acidifying pollutants and particulate matter (PM).
- Controlling PM emissions may inadvertently increase soil acidification risks.
- Base cations (BCs) in PM can neutralize acids, mitigating soil acidification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the potential conflict between PM abatement and soil acidification control in China.
- To quantify the impact of PM control policies on soil acidification risks.
- To compare China's acidification challenges with those of developed countries.
Main Methods:
- Emission inventories for acidifying pollutants and PM (including BCs) for 2005 and 2020.
- Two PM emission scenarios: base case (existing policies) and control case (tightened measures).
- Simulation of sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), and BC depositions and evaluation against critical loads (CL).
Main Results:
- In 2005, 15.6% of mainland China exceeded CL for acidification (2.2 Mt S).
- Base scenario 2020 shows partial recovery, but the PM control case indicates increased risk (17.9% area, 2.4 Mt S).
- Abatement of acid-neutralizing BCs in PM exacerbates soil acidification.
Conclusions:
- China's PM control strategies may worsen soil acidification.
- The chemical implications of PM abatement for acidification in China could be more significant than in developed nations.
- Integrated strategies are needed to balance air quality and soil protection goals.
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