Judi Krzyzanowski - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Judi Krzyzanowski

Catena, Feb 1, 2012

ABSTRACT We examined runoff and sediment transport associated with large-scale construction proje... more ABSTRACT We examined runoff and sediment transport associated with large-scale construction projects in Fujian Province, China. Six experimental plots, comprised of four plot types, were designed to mimic typical conditions immediately following disturbance. It was found that natural vegetative cover reduces both runoff and erosion by approximately 36 and 7457 times over bare ground, and 16 and 1801 times over typically planted grasses, respectively. The increase in erosion associated with the replacement of native vegetation with bare ground or grasses due to large-scale infrastructure projects in Fujian from 1999 to 2004, amounted to an estimated loss of 1.76 × 107 tonnes of top soil and 3.04 × 108 m3 of surface runoff from the province during the bare soil construction phase, and an additional 4.25 × 106 tonnes of top soil and 1.35 × 108 m3 of surface runoff from the province associated with the first year of operation for each project. This has implications for frequency and occurrence of landslides and other geographic hazards, the transport of chemicals into waterways, the transport of goods through shipping passages, and the fertility of land in Fujian.

Journal of Environmental Management, 2010

This study examines the effects of acidifying sulphur emissions on freshwater ecosystems in the t... more This study examines the effects of acidifying sulphur emissions on freshwater ecosystems in the traditional territory of Treaty 8 First Nations in British Columbia (BC). Due to the absence of detailed water chemistry data for most lakes in the region, revised empirical methods for estimating freshwater sensitivity to acidification are formulated using linear regression relationships between individual chemical measurements, and critical loads of acidity calculated using the Steady State Water Chemistry (SSWC) model. Lake alkalinity is the most effective chemical indicator of acidification sensitivity in northeast BC. Critical loads of acidity (CL(A)) estimated using alkalinity range from 0.0827 to 9.48 keq ha À1 yr À1. Sulphur deposition estimates range from 0.0113 to 0.303 keq ha À1 yr À1 and do not exceed the estimated CL(A) at any of the study lakes. The spatial situation of both the lakes and the emission sources is responsible for the lack of exceedances, and expanded/continued monitoring is recommended to account for geological variability and source proliferation. Measurements of lake conductivity and alkalinity provide a means of community monitoring for freshwater acidification sensitivity as part of cumulative effects management strategies.

CATENA, 2012

ABSTRACT We examined runoff and sediment transport associated with large-scale construction proje... more ABSTRACT We examined runoff and sediment transport associated with large-scale construction projects in Fujian Province, China. Six experimental plots, comprised of four plot types, were designed to mimic typical conditions immediately following disturbance. It was found that natural vegetative cover reduces both runoff and erosion by approximately 36 and 7457 times over bare ground, and 16 and 1801 times over typically planted grasses, respectively. The increase in erosion associated with the replacement of native vegetation with bare ground or grasses due to large-scale infrastructure projects in Fujian from 1999 to 2004, amounted to an estimated loss of 1.76 × 107 tonnes of top soil and 3.04 × 108 m3 of surface runoff from the province during the bare soil construction phase, and an additional 4.25 × 106 tonnes of top soil and 1.35 × 108 m3 of surface runoff from the province associated with the first year of operation for each project. This has implications for frequency and occurrence of landslides and other geographic hazards, the transport of chemicals into waterways, the transport of goods through shipping passages, and the fertility of land in Fujian.

AMBIO, 2011

The rapid development of parks and ecotourism in China has attracted worldwide attention, not onl... more The rapid development of parks and ecotourism in China has attracted worldwide attention, not only for the beauty of the landscape that the parks are protecting but also for their abundant and often unique biodiversity. However, in some areas, the development of ecotourism has actually led to the degradation of local ecological, economic, and social systems. Using National Forest Parks for demonstration, this article analyzes the current political, institutional, legal, environmental, and economic issues concerning National Parks in China, and examines their potential future development. Although the intention of National Park systems in China is to raise environmental quality, and to protect biodiversity and social livelihoods, their success has varied. Future success will be measured by their capacity to reduce poverty, to promote long-term rehabilitation of wildlife habitats, and to simultaneously protect Chinese culture and biodiversity.

Atmospheric Environment, 2004

Vertical ozone profiles were measured using a 10.5 m tower in a low (13 m) forest canopy in the L... more Vertical ozone profiles were measured using a 10.5 m tower in a low (13 m) forest canopy in the Lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Ozone was measured cumulatively using passive samplers over five 2-week periods, at seven canopy heights. A strong power-law relationship was found between biweekly mean hourly ozone concentration and within-canopy height (r 2 ¼ 0:9820:99), with a 31-47% reduction in ozone towards the forest floor. Using a Buckingham-Pi dimensional analysis the plots were normalised. Through similarity theory the equation y=1.03x 0.15b was derived for ozone concentration with canopy height; where y is normalised biweekly mean hourly ozone, x is height normalised by the height of the canopy, and b is a stability parameter that increases with increased stability. This study presents a unique method of measuring within-canopy ozone that is inexpensive, yields good results, and may be further developed for flux estimation.

Climate change poses serious ecological, social and economic threats to the Asia-Pacific (AP) reg... more Climate change poses serious ecological, social and economic threats to the Asia-Pacific (AP) region. Recognizing the importance of forest ecosystems and the forest industry in the AP, as well as the strong connection between forestry and climate change mitigation, this paper reviews existing policy, science, and technology related to the adaptation and mitigation of AP forests to climate change. We summarize the current state of literature related to these topics and identify knowledge and policy gaps to be addressed. After evaluating the current state of forests and forest management in the region, developments in climate and ecosystem modeling, and the role of policy in the adaptive and mitigative capacity of AP nations, we provide three main recommendations for improvement of forest management and decision-making in the region: 1) cross-disciplinary and cross-national collaboration; 2) the development of national policy frameworks; and 3) an increase in regionally and locally sp...

s 11: EGU2009-12298-3. Rosen, K., Gundersen, P., Tegnhammar, L., Johansson, M., and Frogner, T., ... more s 11: EGU2009-12298-3. Rosen, K., Gundersen, P., Tegnhammar, L., Johansson, M., and Frogner, T., 1992. Nitrogen enrichment of nordic forest ecosystems The concept of critical loads. Ambio 21: 364368. Rouse, J.D., Bishop, C.A., and Struger, J., 1999. Nitrogen Pollution: An assessment of it threat to amphibian survival. Environmental Health Perspectives 107: 7990803. Roy, S., Hegde, M.S., and Madras, G., 2009. Catalysis for NOx abatement. Applied Energy 86: 2283-2297. Russow, R., and Böhme, F., 2005. Determination of the total nitrogen deposition by the N isotope dilution method and problem in extrapolating results to a field scale. Geoderma 127: 62-70. Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety, 1988. Toxicity of Ammonia under varying Temperature and pH Conditions. In: Surface Water Quality Objectives. Water Quality Branch. From: Environment Canada, Total Ammonia Nitrogen URL: http://205.189.8.19/water/fa01/fa01d03/fa01s09.en.html [Accessed February, 2010]. Saskatchewan Research Coun...

During the summers of 2001 and 2002 ambient ozone levels were measured as hourly averages in part... more During the summers of 2001 and 2002 ambient ozone levels were measured as hourly averages in parts per billion (ppb) at four sites of differing elevation (200, 400, 600 and 1200 m) in the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV), British Columbia. A l l sites were located in forest clearings and experienced hourly averages as low as Oppb, and >70ppb. Mean seasonal concentrations show an increase in ambient ozone with elevation due to consistently high nocturnal concentrations and lack of diurnal variation at higher altitudes. Diurnal patterns are in agreement with previous studies showing a peak in concentration in the late afternoon, and a morning increase due to photochemical production and residual layer down mixing. The occurrence of an upper level ridge coinciding with a thermal trough along the coast, cause above average ozone levels to occur, and may cause the National Ambient Air Quality Objective of 82ppb to be exceeded. Cumulative ozone exposures were measured with height in a forest canopy using OGAWA passive samplers mounted to a 10.5m tower. A strong power-law increase in ozone with height was found due to a number of potential processes including deposition and chemical destruction at the surface, uptake by vegetation, and dynamic stability inhibiting down mixing. This relationship shows plants in the LFV may be acting as an effective ozone sink. Plants uptake ozone direcdy through leaf stomates where the pollutant may directly injure foliage. A preliminary survey of native shrubs exhibiting visible ozone injury symptoms suggests that current concentrations of tropospheric ozone in the LFV may be high enough to cause injury to forest species, however more research is required in order to determine the threat of ozone to these economically and culturally important forests.

Substantial progress has been made in reducing air pollution in North America and Europe since th... more Substantial progress has been made in reducing air pollution in North America and Europe since the 1st Air Pollution Workshop, held at The Pennsylvania State University in 1969. However, elevated levels of atmospheric pollutants remain a major problem across the globe. Combined with climate change, we require multidisciplinary research and decisionmaking to verify and manage the complex interactions and effects of atmospheric pollutants on ecosystems and society. Following is a summary of the topics discussed during the 46th Air Pollution Workshop held earlier this year at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico.

This research examined the potential cumulative impacts of air pollution in northeast British Col... more This research examined the potential cumulative impacts of air pollution in northeast British Columbia (BC). It was part of a larger project to develop tools for assessing the cumulative impacts of development in BC's Treaty 8 traditional territory. Although this study was framed from a First Nations perspective, it has relevance to all residents of the region. The focus is on Criteria Air Contaminants (CAC); whose reporting in Canada is required based on contributions to acid rain, ozone and poor regional air quality. Air pollution in northeast BC is dominated by the upstream oil and gas (UOG) sector. An analysis of official emissions data and reporting policies showed that inventories severely underestimate UOG emission sources. Industry-based emission estimates were combined with a conventional governmentbased emissions inventory to give a more comprehensive dataset for the region. When CAC sources were considered inclusively and cumulatively across the region's landscape, emissions of the CAC sulphur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen oxides (NO x) and volatile organic compounds approximately doubled, reaching intensities comparable to urban areas. Due to the magnitude of SO 2 and NO x emissions, and their known contribution to the acidification of ecosystems in parts of Canada, the Critical Loads of Acidity (CL(A)) were estimated for freshwater lakes in the region. A scarcity of detailed lake chemistry data preempted the development of empirical methods for estimating CL(A). Alkalinity and calcium measurements were available for a significant number of lakes and were consequently used as indicators of acidification sensitivity using relationships between these parameters and existing CL(A) estimation procedures. The resulting CL(A) were used alongside Ambient Air Quality Objectives (AAQO) and critical limits for various ecosystem elements, as thresholds for measuring potential air pollution effects. The AERMOD model, traditionally used for simulating the dispersion of UOG emissions from individual sources in BC, was used here to predict ambient concentrations and surface deposition of both SO 2 and NO x from numerous emission sources in an area of both cultural significance and high source density. Results predicted potential threshold exceedances that may have implications for ecosystems, human health and First Nations Treaty rights.

Air Quality Management, 2013

This final chapter considers how air quality management may change in the future. Air quality mon... more This final chapter considers how air quality management may change in the future. Air quality monitoring will likely expand to measure more pollutants in denser networks in more communities, and may refocus on pollutant issues that negatively impact the vulnerable population. Satellite technology will be increasingly applied to meteorology and air pollution monitoring, especially to provide data in remote areas such as Canada's North. Monitoring equipment may become smaller, be less expensive to build and operate, and be less power hungry. Real-time air quality forecasting will undoubtedly become more accurate as meteorological modelling and air quality models improve and refocus on weather patterns conducive to degraded air quality. Emissions from industry and transportation may become more widely available in near real time to enable these models to produce more accurate and useful predictions. Research into the impacts of ultrafine particles and multiple pollutants on health should pave the way for improved methods of reducing health risk. Increased awareness at both the domestic and international level of the health risks related to air pollution from industry, particularly resource-based industries, will likely lead to increased pressure to reduce industrial emissions. Remarkable reductions in on-road transportation emissions will likely continue through better post-combustion treatments and the inclusion of better pollutant control systems in off-road vehicles. Electric and hydrogen vehicles will eventually increase their share of the market, resulting in lower emissions directly into urban communities. National air quality management programs will increasingly mandate reductions in air pollutants and their health impacts. Keywords Future air quality management, alternate fuels, air quality monitors, evolving technology, pollutant trends, the North Index phrases Climate change, monitoring, monitors, future monitoring programs, mobile monitoring, smart phone technology, specialized air quality forecasts, numerical weather prediction, stagnation, satellite measurements, forest fire smoke, VOC emissions, multiple pollutants, air quality in the North 20.1 Introduction

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2009

Actual atmospheric emissions in northeast British Columbia, Canada, are much higher than reported... more Actual atmospheric emissions in northeast British Columbia, Canada, are much higher than reported emissions. The addition of upstream oil and gas sector sources not included in the year-2000 emissions inventory of Criteria Air Contaminants (CACs) increases annual totals of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compound emissions by 115.1, 89.9, and 109.5%, respectively. These emissions arise from numerous small and unregulated point sources (N = 10,129). CAC summaries are given by source type and source sector. An analysis of uncertainty and reporting policy suggests that inventory omissions are not limited to the study area and that Canadian pollutant emissions are systematically underestimated. The omissions suggest that major changes in reporting procedures are needed in Canada if true estimates of annual pollutant emissions are to be documented.

Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 2006

During the summers of 2001 and 2002, hourly average ozone concentrations were measured at three s... more During the summers of 2001 and 2002, hourly average ozone concentrations were measured at three sites of differing elevation (188, 588, and 1221 m.a.s.l.) on the forested south-facing slopes of the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV), British Columbia. Sites experienced ozone concentrations ranging from 0 to 88 ppb in 2001, and 0 to 96 ppb in 2002. Daily patterns were in agreement with previous studies showing morning increases and late afternoon peaks. Reduced diurnal variation increased the exposure of higher-elevation forested sites. An upper-level ridge coinciding with a thermal coastal trough caused above-average ozone concentrations, and the 'maximum acceptable' 1-hour National Ambient Air Quality Objective (AQO) of 82 ppb to be exceeded. Maximum ozone concentrations and AQO exceedance frequency both increased with distance eastward in the valley. A preliminary survey of ozone-like injury symptoms on native shrubs suggested that the elevated ozone levels occurring in the LFV may cause injury to forest plants.

Remote Sensing of Environment, 2014

ABSTRACT The updated Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) third generation globa... more ABSTRACT The updated Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) third generation global satellite Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dataset provides very detailed global information on the state of vegetation from 1982 to 2011. Using these data we investigated the changes in the vegetation photosynthetic activity in the Asia–Pacific (AP) (including Australia, South East Asia, China, and the Pacific Coast of North America) region, by discerning gradual changes into two key metrics: 1) the cumulative annual NDVI in each year and 2) the seasonality or variance in that index. We then assessed changes using break and turning points using three statistical models (least-square linear, expanded paired-consecutive linear and piecewise regression models). We found that the AP region overall experienced increasing NDVI from 1982 through 2011 with an average rate of 5.30 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1 (0.13% yr− 1). The annual NDVI increased from 1982 at a faster rate of 26.14 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1 (0.65% yr− 1) until a break in the trend after 1991 (after that the trend reduced to 5.78 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1). In the Asia–Australia (AA) subarea of the AP, vegetation greening slowly increased at 8.71 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1 before 2003 and then increased to 28.30 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1 after 2003. In contrast, in the North America (NA) subarea NDVI rapidly increased initially at 18.72 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1 before 1992 and then marginally increased (3.96 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1) after 1992. The turning points were found to be 2008 and 1987 for the AA and NA subareas respectively. Analysis of monthly NDVI data showed that the trends were positive for most of the months of the study period, particularly during the growing season. Geospatial analyses demonstrated that cumulative annual NDVI and the variance or seasonality across the large AP region varied across the different subareas. As well, we found evidence for different spatial patterns of the NDVI changes with strong spatial heterogeneity in the patterns of the break and turning points. This suggests complex and nonlinear responses of vegetation photosynthetic activity to regional climatic changes and other drivers.

Journal of The Air & Waste Management Association, 2009

Actual atmospheric emissions in northeast British Columbia, Canada, are much higher than reported... more Actual atmospheric emissions in northeast British Columbia, Canada, are much higher than reported emissions. The addition of upstream oil and gas sector sources not included in the year-2000 emissions inventory of Criteria Air Contaminants (CACs) increases annual totals of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compound emissions by 115.1, 89.9, and 109.5%, respectively. These emissions arise from numerous small

This study examines the effects of acidifying sulphur emissions on freshwater ecosystems in the t... more This study examines the effects of acidifying sulphur emissions on freshwater ecosystems in the traditional territory of Treaty 8 First Nations in British Columbia (BC). Due to the absence of detailed water chemistry data for most lakes in the region, revised empirical methods for estimating freshwater sensitivity to acidification are formulated using linear regression relationships between individual chemical measurements, and critical loads of acidity calculated using the Steady State Water Chemistry (SSWC) model. Lake alkalinity is the most effective chemical indicator of acidification sensitivity in northeast BC. Critical loads of acidity (CL(A)) estimated using alkalinity range from 0.0827 to 9.48 keq ha À1 yr À1 . Sulphur deposition estimates range from 0.0113 to 0.303 keq ha À1 yr À1 and do not exceed the estimated CL(A) at any of the study lakes. The spatial situation of both the lakes and the emission sources is responsible for the lack of exceedances, and expanded/continued monitoring is recommended to account for geological variability and source proliferation. Measurements of lake conductivity and alkalinity provide a means of community monitoring for freshwater acidification sensitivity as part of cumulative effects management strategies.

Concerns have arisen recently as to whether the upstream oil and gas (UOG) sectorresponsible for ... more Concerns have arisen recently as to whether the upstream oil and gas (UOG) sectorresponsible for exploration, production, and some processing of raw fossil fuelsis negatively impacting human (and environmental) health in northeast British Columbia (NEBC). The region has experienced increased rates of cancers and other illnesses that have been linked to the contaminants and stressors associated with UOG. Contaminants reach human receptors through environmental pathways, namely air, soil, water, and food. Each contaminant or stressor has specific sources, transport, exposure mechanisms, and biochemistry; and each can impact health both directly and indirectly. Of particular concern are airborne sulphur and nitrogen oxides, hazardous volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulphide, ozone, noise, and radiation; as well as soil-or water-borne hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and radiationsome of which can also impact human health through food pathways. It has been determined that UOG is negatively impacting human health in NEBC; however, further information, such as environmental monitoring, is required before the actual health risks and impacts posed by UOG can be quantified.

Catena, Feb 1, 2012

ABSTRACT We examined runoff and sediment transport associated with large-scale construction proje... more ABSTRACT We examined runoff and sediment transport associated with large-scale construction projects in Fujian Province, China. Six experimental plots, comprised of four plot types, were designed to mimic typical conditions immediately following disturbance. It was found that natural vegetative cover reduces both runoff and erosion by approximately 36 and 7457 times over bare ground, and 16 and 1801 times over typically planted grasses, respectively. The increase in erosion associated with the replacement of native vegetation with bare ground or grasses due to large-scale infrastructure projects in Fujian from 1999 to 2004, amounted to an estimated loss of 1.76 × 107 tonnes of top soil and 3.04 × 108 m3 of surface runoff from the province during the bare soil construction phase, and an additional 4.25 × 106 tonnes of top soil and 1.35 × 108 m3 of surface runoff from the province associated with the first year of operation for each project. This has implications for frequency and occurrence of landslides and other geographic hazards, the transport of chemicals into waterways, the transport of goods through shipping passages, and the fertility of land in Fujian.

Journal of Environmental Management, 2010

This study examines the effects of acidifying sulphur emissions on freshwater ecosystems in the t... more This study examines the effects of acidifying sulphur emissions on freshwater ecosystems in the traditional territory of Treaty 8 First Nations in British Columbia (BC). Due to the absence of detailed water chemistry data for most lakes in the region, revised empirical methods for estimating freshwater sensitivity to acidification are formulated using linear regression relationships between individual chemical measurements, and critical loads of acidity calculated using the Steady State Water Chemistry (SSWC) model. Lake alkalinity is the most effective chemical indicator of acidification sensitivity in northeast BC. Critical loads of acidity (CL(A)) estimated using alkalinity range from 0.0827 to 9.48 keq ha À1 yr À1. Sulphur deposition estimates range from 0.0113 to 0.303 keq ha À1 yr À1 and do not exceed the estimated CL(A) at any of the study lakes. The spatial situation of both the lakes and the emission sources is responsible for the lack of exceedances, and expanded/continued monitoring is recommended to account for geological variability and source proliferation. Measurements of lake conductivity and alkalinity provide a means of community monitoring for freshwater acidification sensitivity as part of cumulative effects management strategies.

CATENA, 2012

ABSTRACT We examined runoff and sediment transport associated with large-scale construction proje... more ABSTRACT We examined runoff and sediment transport associated with large-scale construction projects in Fujian Province, China. Six experimental plots, comprised of four plot types, were designed to mimic typical conditions immediately following disturbance. It was found that natural vegetative cover reduces both runoff and erosion by approximately 36 and 7457 times over bare ground, and 16 and 1801 times over typically planted grasses, respectively. The increase in erosion associated with the replacement of native vegetation with bare ground or grasses due to large-scale infrastructure projects in Fujian from 1999 to 2004, amounted to an estimated loss of 1.76 × 107 tonnes of top soil and 3.04 × 108 m3 of surface runoff from the province during the bare soil construction phase, and an additional 4.25 × 106 tonnes of top soil and 1.35 × 108 m3 of surface runoff from the province associated with the first year of operation for each project. This has implications for frequency and occurrence of landslides and other geographic hazards, the transport of chemicals into waterways, the transport of goods through shipping passages, and the fertility of land in Fujian.

AMBIO, 2011

The rapid development of parks and ecotourism in China has attracted worldwide attention, not onl... more The rapid development of parks and ecotourism in China has attracted worldwide attention, not only for the beauty of the landscape that the parks are protecting but also for their abundant and often unique biodiversity. However, in some areas, the development of ecotourism has actually led to the degradation of local ecological, economic, and social systems. Using National Forest Parks for demonstration, this article analyzes the current political, institutional, legal, environmental, and economic issues concerning National Parks in China, and examines their potential future development. Although the intention of National Park systems in China is to raise environmental quality, and to protect biodiversity and social livelihoods, their success has varied. Future success will be measured by their capacity to reduce poverty, to promote long-term rehabilitation of wildlife habitats, and to simultaneously protect Chinese culture and biodiversity.

Atmospheric Environment, 2004

Vertical ozone profiles were measured using a 10.5 m tower in a low (13 m) forest canopy in the L... more Vertical ozone profiles were measured using a 10.5 m tower in a low (13 m) forest canopy in the Lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Ozone was measured cumulatively using passive samplers over five 2-week periods, at seven canopy heights. A strong power-law relationship was found between biweekly mean hourly ozone concentration and within-canopy height (r 2 ¼ 0:9820:99), with a 31-47% reduction in ozone towards the forest floor. Using a Buckingham-Pi dimensional analysis the plots were normalised. Through similarity theory the equation y=1.03x 0.15b was derived for ozone concentration with canopy height; where y is normalised biweekly mean hourly ozone, x is height normalised by the height of the canopy, and b is a stability parameter that increases with increased stability. This study presents a unique method of measuring within-canopy ozone that is inexpensive, yields good results, and may be further developed for flux estimation.

Climate change poses serious ecological, social and economic threats to the Asia-Pacific (AP) reg... more Climate change poses serious ecological, social and economic threats to the Asia-Pacific (AP) region. Recognizing the importance of forest ecosystems and the forest industry in the AP, as well as the strong connection between forestry and climate change mitigation, this paper reviews existing policy, science, and technology related to the adaptation and mitigation of AP forests to climate change. We summarize the current state of literature related to these topics and identify knowledge and policy gaps to be addressed. After evaluating the current state of forests and forest management in the region, developments in climate and ecosystem modeling, and the role of policy in the adaptive and mitigative capacity of AP nations, we provide three main recommendations for improvement of forest management and decision-making in the region: 1) cross-disciplinary and cross-national collaboration; 2) the development of national policy frameworks; and 3) an increase in regionally and locally sp...

s 11: EGU2009-12298-3. Rosen, K., Gundersen, P., Tegnhammar, L., Johansson, M., and Frogner, T., ... more s 11: EGU2009-12298-3. Rosen, K., Gundersen, P., Tegnhammar, L., Johansson, M., and Frogner, T., 1992. Nitrogen enrichment of nordic forest ecosystems The concept of critical loads. Ambio 21: 364368. Rouse, J.D., Bishop, C.A., and Struger, J., 1999. Nitrogen Pollution: An assessment of it threat to amphibian survival. Environmental Health Perspectives 107: 7990803. Roy, S., Hegde, M.S., and Madras, G., 2009. Catalysis for NOx abatement. Applied Energy 86: 2283-2297. Russow, R., and Böhme, F., 2005. Determination of the total nitrogen deposition by the N isotope dilution method and problem in extrapolating results to a field scale. Geoderma 127: 62-70. Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety, 1988. Toxicity of Ammonia under varying Temperature and pH Conditions. In: Surface Water Quality Objectives. Water Quality Branch. From: Environment Canada, Total Ammonia Nitrogen URL: http://205.189.8.19/water/fa01/fa01d03/fa01s09.en.html [Accessed February, 2010]. Saskatchewan Research Coun...

During the summers of 2001 and 2002 ambient ozone levels were measured as hourly averages in part... more During the summers of 2001 and 2002 ambient ozone levels were measured as hourly averages in parts per billion (ppb) at four sites of differing elevation (200, 400, 600 and 1200 m) in the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV), British Columbia. A l l sites were located in forest clearings and experienced hourly averages as low as Oppb, and >70ppb. Mean seasonal concentrations show an increase in ambient ozone with elevation due to consistently high nocturnal concentrations and lack of diurnal variation at higher altitudes. Diurnal patterns are in agreement with previous studies showing a peak in concentration in the late afternoon, and a morning increase due to photochemical production and residual layer down mixing. The occurrence of an upper level ridge coinciding with a thermal trough along the coast, cause above average ozone levels to occur, and may cause the National Ambient Air Quality Objective of 82ppb to be exceeded. Cumulative ozone exposures were measured with height in a forest canopy using OGAWA passive samplers mounted to a 10.5m tower. A strong power-law increase in ozone with height was found due to a number of potential processes including deposition and chemical destruction at the surface, uptake by vegetation, and dynamic stability inhibiting down mixing. This relationship shows plants in the LFV may be acting as an effective ozone sink. Plants uptake ozone direcdy through leaf stomates where the pollutant may directly injure foliage. A preliminary survey of native shrubs exhibiting visible ozone injury symptoms suggests that current concentrations of tropospheric ozone in the LFV may be high enough to cause injury to forest species, however more research is required in order to determine the threat of ozone to these economically and culturally important forests.

Substantial progress has been made in reducing air pollution in North America and Europe since th... more Substantial progress has been made in reducing air pollution in North America and Europe since the 1st Air Pollution Workshop, held at The Pennsylvania State University in 1969. However, elevated levels of atmospheric pollutants remain a major problem across the globe. Combined with climate change, we require multidisciplinary research and decisionmaking to verify and manage the complex interactions and effects of atmospheric pollutants on ecosystems and society. Following is a summary of the topics discussed during the 46th Air Pollution Workshop held earlier this year at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico.

This research examined the potential cumulative impacts of air pollution in northeast British Col... more This research examined the potential cumulative impacts of air pollution in northeast British Columbia (BC). It was part of a larger project to develop tools for assessing the cumulative impacts of development in BC's Treaty 8 traditional territory. Although this study was framed from a First Nations perspective, it has relevance to all residents of the region. The focus is on Criteria Air Contaminants (CAC); whose reporting in Canada is required based on contributions to acid rain, ozone and poor regional air quality. Air pollution in northeast BC is dominated by the upstream oil and gas (UOG) sector. An analysis of official emissions data and reporting policies showed that inventories severely underestimate UOG emission sources. Industry-based emission estimates were combined with a conventional governmentbased emissions inventory to give a more comprehensive dataset for the region. When CAC sources were considered inclusively and cumulatively across the region's landscape, emissions of the CAC sulphur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen oxides (NO x) and volatile organic compounds approximately doubled, reaching intensities comparable to urban areas. Due to the magnitude of SO 2 and NO x emissions, and their known contribution to the acidification of ecosystems in parts of Canada, the Critical Loads of Acidity (CL(A)) were estimated for freshwater lakes in the region. A scarcity of detailed lake chemistry data preempted the development of empirical methods for estimating CL(A). Alkalinity and calcium measurements were available for a significant number of lakes and were consequently used as indicators of acidification sensitivity using relationships between these parameters and existing CL(A) estimation procedures. The resulting CL(A) were used alongside Ambient Air Quality Objectives (AAQO) and critical limits for various ecosystem elements, as thresholds for measuring potential air pollution effects. The AERMOD model, traditionally used for simulating the dispersion of UOG emissions from individual sources in BC, was used here to predict ambient concentrations and surface deposition of both SO 2 and NO x from numerous emission sources in an area of both cultural significance and high source density. Results predicted potential threshold exceedances that may have implications for ecosystems, human health and First Nations Treaty rights.

Air Quality Management, 2013

This final chapter considers how air quality management may change in the future. Air quality mon... more This final chapter considers how air quality management may change in the future. Air quality monitoring will likely expand to measure more pollutants in denser networks in more communities, and may refocus on pollutant issues that negatively impact the vulnerable population. Satellite technology will be increasingly applied to meteorology and air pollution monitoring, especially to provide data in remote areas such as Canada's North. Monitoring equipment may become smaller, be less expensive to build and operate, and be less power hungry. Real-time air quality forecasting will undoubtedly become more accurate as meteorological modelling and air quality models improve and refocus on weather patterns conducive to degraded air quality. Emissions from industry and transportation may become more widely available in near real time to enable these models to produce more accurate and useful predictions. Research into the impacts of ultrafine particles and multiple pollutants on health should pave the way for improved methods of reducing health risk. Increased awareness at both the domestic and international level of the health risks related to air pollution from industry, particularly resource-based industries, will likely lead to increased pressure to reduce industrial emissions. Remarkable reductions in on-road transportation emissions will likely continue through better post-combustion treatments and the inclusion of better pollutant control systems in off-road vehicles. Electric and hydrogen vehicles will eventually increase their share of the market, resulting in lower emissions directly into urban communities. National air quality management programs will increasingly mandate reductions in air pollutants and their health impacts. Keywords Future air quality management, alternate fuels, air quality monitors, evolving technology, pollutant trends, the North Index phrases Climate change, monitoring, monitors, future monitoring programs, mobile monitoring, smart phone technology, specialized air quality forecasts, numerical weather prediction, stagnation, satellite measurements, forest fire smoke, VOC emissions, multiple pollutants, air quality in the North 20.1 Introduction

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2009

Actual atmospheric emissions in northeast British Columbia, Canada, are much higher than reported... more Actual atmospheric emissions in northeast British Columbia, Canada, are much higher than reported emissions. The addition of upstream oil and gas sector sources not included in the year-2000 emissions inventory of Criteria Air Contaminants (CACs) increases annual totals of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compound emissions by 115.1, 89.9, and 109.5%, respectively. These emissions arise from numerous small and unregulated point sources (N = 10,129). CAC summaries are given by source type and source sector. An analysis of uncertainty and reporting policy suggests that inventory omissions are not limited to the study area and that Canadian pollutant emissions are systematically underestimated. The omissions suggest that major changes in reporting procedures are needed in Canada if true estimates of annual pollutant emissions are to be documented.

Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 2006

During the summers of 2001 and 2002, hourly average ozone concentrations were measured at three s... more During the summers of 2001 and 2002, hourly average ozone concentrations were measured at three sites of differing elevation (188, 588, and 1221 m.a.s.l.) on the forested south-facing slopes of the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV), British Columbia. Sites experienced ozone concentrations ranging from 0 to 88 ppb in 2001, and 0 to 96 ppb in 2002. Daily patterns were in agreement with previous studies showing morning increases and late afternoon peaks. Reduced diurnal variation increased the exposure of higher-elevation forested sites. An upper-level ridge coinciding with a thermal coastal trough caused above-average ozone concentrations, and the 'maximum acceptable' 1-hour National Ambient Air Quality Objective (AQO) of 82 ppb to be exceeded. Maximum ozone concentrations and AQO exceedance frequency both increased with distance eastward in the valley. A preliminary survey of ozone-like injury symptoms on native shrubs suggested that the elevated ozone levels occurring in the LFV may cause injury to forest plants.

Remote Sensing of Environment, 2014

ABSTRACT The updated Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) third generation globa... more ABSTRACT The updated Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) third generation global satellite Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dataset provides very detailed global information on the state of vegetation from 1982 to 2011. Using these data we investigated the changes in the vegetation photosynthetic activity in the Asia–Pacific (AP) (including Australia, South East Asia, China, and the Pacific Coast of North America) region, by discerning gradual changes into two key metrics: 1) the cumulative annual NDVI in each year and 2) the seasonality or variance in that index. We then assessed changes using break and turning points using three statistical models (least-square linear, expanded paired-consecutive linear and piecewise regression models). We found that the AP region overall experienced increasing NDVI from 1982 through 2011 with an average rate of 5.30 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1 (0.13% yr− 1). The annual NDVI increased from 1982 at a faster rate of 26.14 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1 (0.65% yr− 1) until a break in the trend after 1991 (after that the trend reduced to 5.78 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1). In the Asia–Australia (AA) subarea of the AP, vegetation greening slowly increased at 8.71 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1 before 2003 and then increased to 28.30 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1 after 2003. In contrast, in the North America (NA) subarea NDVI rapidly increased initially at 18.72 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1 before 1992 and then marginally increased (3.96 × 10− 4 NDVI yr− 1) after 1992. The turning points were found to be 2008 and 1987 for the AA and NA subareas respectively. Analysis of monthly NDVI data showed that the trends were positive for most of the months of the study period, particularly during the growing season. Geospatial analyses demonstrated that cumulative annual NDVI and the variance or seasonality across the large AP region varied across the different subareas. As well, we found evidence for different spatial patterns of the NDVI changes with strong spatial heterogeneity in the patterns of the break and turning points. This suggests complex and nonlinear responses of vegetation photosynthetic activity to regional climatic changes and other drivers.

Journal of The Air & Waste Management Association, 2009

Actual atmospheric emissions in northeast British Columbia, Canada, are much higher than reported... more Actual atmospheric emissions in northeast British Columbia, Canada, are much higher than reported emissions. The addition of upstream oil and gas sector sources not included in the year-2000 emissions inventory of Criteria Air Contaminants (CACs) increases annual totals of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compound emissions by 115.1, 89.9, and 109.5%, respectively. These emissions arise from numerous small

This study examines the effects of acidifying sulphur emissions on freshwater ecosystems in the t... more This study examines the effects of acidifying sulphur emissions on freshwater ecosystems in the traditional territory of Treaty 8 First Nations in British Columbia (BC). Due to the absence of detailed water chemistry data for most lakes in the region, revised empirical methods for estimating freshwater sensitivity to acidification are formulated using linear regression relationships between individual chemical measurements, and critical loads of acidity calculated using the Steady State Water Chemistry (SSWC) model. Lake alkalinity is the most effective chemical indicator of acidification sensitivity in northeast BC. Critical loads of acidity (CL(A)) estimated using alkalinity range from 0.0827 to 9.48 keq ha À1 yr À1 . Sulphur deposition estimates range from 0.0113 to 0.303 keq ha À1 yr À1 and do not exceed the estimated CL(A) at any of the study lakes. The spatial situation of both the lakes and the emission sources is responsible for the lack of exceedances, and expanded/continued monitoring is recommended to account for geological variability and source proliferation. Measurements of lake conductivity and alkalinity provide a means of community monitoring for freshwater acidification sensitivity as part of cumulative effects management strategies.

Concerns have arisen recently as to whether the upstream oil and gas (UOG) sectorresponsible for ... more Concerns have arisen recently as to whether the upstream oil and gas (UOG) sectorresponsible for exploration, production, and some processing of raw fossil fuelsis negatively impacting human (and environmental) health in northeast British Columbia (NEBC). The region has experienced increased rates of cancers and other illnesses that have been linked to the contaminants and stressors associated with UOG. Contaminants reach human receptors through environmental pathways, namely air, soil, water, and food. Each contaminant or stressor has specific sources, transport, exposure mechanisms, and biochemistry; and each can impact health both directly and indirectly. Of particular concern are airborne sulphur and nitrogen oxides, hazardous volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulphide, ozone, noise, and radiation; as well as soil-or water-borne hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and radiationsome of which can also impact human health through food pathways. It has been determined that UOG is negatively impacting human health in NEBC; however, further information, such as environmental monitoring, is required before the actual health risks and impacts posed by UOG can be quantified.