Atmospheric Ammonia: Sources and Fate. A Review of Ongoing Federal Research and Future Needs Page: 1
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Atmospheric Ammonia: Sources and Fate June 2000
INTRODUCTION
Gaseous ammonia has long been known to play a key role in atmospheric chemical
processes and, following deposition, in the biogeochemical processes that occur in
sensitive ecosystems (forests, soils, streams, and coastal waters). Ammonia also reacts
rapidly with atmospherically-formed sulfuric and nitric acids to contribute to ambient
levels of fine particles. The need to better understand the role of this important air
pollutant has been underscored in recent years as ammonia emissions from intensive
animal production facilities are on the increase and the Nation works to craft effective
management strategies for fine particles in an effort to mitigate concerns over public
health impacts and to enhance visibility in pristine areas of the country.
The October, 1999 meeting of the Air Quality Research Subcommittee of the CENR
focused on a discussion of Federal research related to atmospheric ammonia. This report
provides a brief summary of the current state of science as discussed at the meeting, with
the addition of some material that was not presented at the meeting due to time
constraints. A list of research needs resulting from this discussion is also provided. The
presentation materials used by the various speakers and some additional supporting
material is provided in the Appendices to this report.
A complete and comprehensive review of the science related to atmospheric ammonia is
clearly beyond the scope of this report. Rather, the report provides a brief overview of
the science, identifying key knowledge and capability gaps, and is intended as an
information piece to guide the development of future Federal research programs.
Emissions
Current estimates of ammonia emissions to the atmosphere are characterized by a high
degree of uncertainty. Agriculture represents the largest source of ammonia emissions.
The diverse nature of agricultural operations and the fact that there are only a limited
number of studies designed to quantify emission and activity factors in this sector have
contributed to this uncertainty.
In a recent report' (EPA National Air Pollution Trends Update, 1970-1997) the U.S. EPA
provides an estimate of the distribution of ammonia emissions by sector for the year
1997. The data are presented in Figure 1. Based on these estimates, the agricultural
sector contributes approximately 85% of U.S. ammonia emissions.
EPA National Air Pollution Emissions Trends Update, 1970-1997 (1998)
(http://www.epa.gov/ttnchiel/trends97/infochief.html)CENR Air Quality Research Subcommittee
Atmospheric Ammonia: Sources and Fate
June 2000
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National Science and Technology Council (U.S.). Air Quality Research Subcommittee. Atmospheric Ammonia: Sources and Fate. A Review of Ongoing Federal Research and Future Needs, text, June 2000; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc25995/m1/5/: accessed April 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .