UK Eutrophying and Acidifying Atmospheric Pollutants network (UKEAP). Review for Defra

Abstract

This Review document was commissioned by Defra to help assess the current status of, and future needs for, monitoring of acidifying and eutrophying pollutants in the United Kingdom. As part of this review Defra wishes to identify potential cost savings and efficiencies. Context of UKEAP measurements within UK Measurements Measurements of pollutant concentrations in air and rain within the UKEAP allow maps of pollutant exposure and pollutant budgets to be calculated. This is a key element in estimating risks to ecosystems and evaluating the impact of policy measures in reducing such risks. The measurements also help validate modelling studies and support many of the other measurements made within Defra and other Agency supported monitoring in the UK, for example at ECN sites and heavy metal monitoring sites. Of these other networks only the ECN is likely to undergo a substantial revision in the near future with the transformation to the ECBN. The coordination of UKEAP sites with the changing ECBN could not be considered in detail at this stage, but there is continuing liaison between the two projects which may be expected to increase in the future. Key points of the review Overall the current UKEAP measurement suite captures most of the important species relevant to the objectives of the project, specifically concentrations in precipitation and ambient concentrations of the most important aerosol and gas phase species. All the species measured are still considered to be relevant to meeting the UKEAP project aims. Other species considered for measurement are organic carbon, organic nitrogen and halogen acids in addition to chlorine (F, Br, I). It is considered that the organic nitrogen (organic-N) component is a key measurement which is not being made, but a methodology for routine monitoring of organic-N is not yet available. Developing such a methodology should be given high priority. Monitoring of organic carbon and nonchlorine halogen acids are not considered important to the objectives of the UKEAP network. A decision with respect to the future organisation of data archiving and public access needs to be confirmed in consultation with Defra. Once decided the implementation can quickly proceed. The components of the programme are discusse