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Critical loads for alkalization in terrestrial ecosystems.

Shaun A Watmough1

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Critical load models were modified to address increased alkaline dust, preventing soil base cation accumulation. Exceedances were found near industrial sources, highlighting risks of alkalization despite reduced acid deposition.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Ecosystem Risk Assessment
  • Soil Science

Background:

  • Critical loads have successfully reduced acidic deposition globally.
  • Emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx) decreased in Canada, but total particulate matter (TPM) increased.
  • Base cations in TPM can benefit ecosystems by reducing acidification but cause harm near emission sources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To modify the simple mass balance (SMB) model to prevent excessive base cation accumulation in soils.
  • To assess the risk of soil alkalization near industrial emission sources in Alberta, Canada.

Main Methods:

  • Modified the simple mass balance (SMB) model to include an upper threshold for base cation accumulation.
  • Applied the modified model to a forested site in Alberta's Oil Sands region, analyzing soil chemistry and deposition.

Main Results:

  • Base cation leaching at the study site was significantly higher than background levels.
  • Leaching of base cations exceeded the combined leaching of sulfate (SO4) and nitrate (NO3).
  • The critical load for alkalization was exceeded under all considered scenarios.

Conclusions:

  • The modified critical load framework effectively identifies risks of soil alkalization from alkaline dust.
  • High base cation deposition near industrial sources can lead to undesirable ecosystem state shifts.
  • Further research is needed on base cation deposition, nitrogen behavior, and long-term soil processes.