Acid deposition: Perspectives in time and space

Most acid-deposition investigations have been concerned with the impact of nitrogen oxides (NO,) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions on Europe and North America. This paper examines three issues beyond this central focus. Major conclusions are 1) ammonia (NH3) emissions and subsequent nitrogen (N) accumulation in terrestrial ecosystems have the potential to generate significant acidification in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; 2) sulfur (S) and N accumulation in environmental reservoirs will not only result in significant and extensive acidification but will also impact the earth's radiation balance, tropospheric oxidizing capacity, ecosystem nutrient balance and groundwater quality; and 3) future emissions will substantially increase in the developing world, especially in Asia. By 2020, Asian emissions of SO2, NOx, and NH3 will be equal to or greater than the combined emissions from Europe and North America.