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Project title

Nitrogen-sulphur critical loads: assessment of the impacts of air pollution on habitats

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Trent University

Lead Applicant

Julian Aherne

Project Abstract

The proposed research will build on existing national critical load capacity and synergies to assess the impacts of nitrogen deposition on ecosystem biodiversity. Specifically the research will develop linked nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) critical loads for plant species diversity using the PROPS (Probability of Occurrence of Plant Species) model and the Habitat Suitability Index (following recent methodological recommendations under the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution [CLRTAP]). Building on previous EPA-funded �critical load� projects, the proposed research will continue to engage key stakeholders, such as the EPA and National Parks and Wildlife Service, in the development of N-S critical loads of biodiversity. In addition, the project will respond to �calls for data� from the Coordination Centre for Effects (CCE) of the International Cooperative Programme (ICP) on Mapping and Modelling under the CLRTAP. Moreover, the project will provide national participation and respond to calls for data from other ICPs, such as ICP Waters and ICP Vegetation, building on capacity developed under previous EPA-funded critical load projects. The project will work closely with the EPA to develop training and mechanisms for on-going EPA analysis of critical loads.

Grant Approved

�119,855.10

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Air science

Start Date

31/03/2017

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/03/2019