A proposed strategy for reducing sulphate deposition in North AmericA—I. Methodology for minimizing sulphur removal

Abstract

Four schemes to reduce sulphate deposition in N America while minimizing sulphur removal are described and tested. These schemes utilize the source-receptor linkages, as described by the source-receptor matrices produced by long range atmospheric transport models, to select the source areas where emission reductions should take place. All four schemes indicate that most of the emission reductions should take place in the Ohio River Valley, northern Appalachia, the lower Great Lakes region and the St. Lawrence River Valley. Tests indicate that fluctuations in matrix elements have little effect upon the choice of the most important source regions but affect only the selection of the emission reductions in the less important fringe areas. The methodology is being continually refined with improved input data with respect to source-receptor relationships and control technology.