Review of transboundary air pollution (RoTAP): acidification, eutrophication, ground level ozone and heavy metals in the UK

This report provides a detailed overview of the current status of transboundary air pollution in the UK. It reviews the current state of air pollution issues, evaluates the extensive measurements of atmospheric pollutants and their effects, and provides a synthesis of current understanding. The review focuses on the main causes of acid deposition, eutrophication, ground level ozone and heavy metal pollution in the UK, namely sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ammonia (NH3), aerosols (particulate matter), heavy metals, nitric acid (HNO3) and ozone (O3). A summary of the current European status is included to provide a wider perspective for the assessment. Emissions of primary pollutants contributing to transboundary air pollution have changed substantially during the last 30 years, mainly in response to international control measures such as the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), and the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD) which set ceilings for the emissions of key atmospheric pollutants including sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) for European Community Member States, which the UK had to achieve by 2010. The report reviews trends in the emission, concentration and deposition, and effects of atmospheric pollutants on soils, vegetation and freshwaters.