Air Pollution Zones and Harmful Pollution Levels of Alkaline Dust for Plants

Abstract

For characterisation of landscapes in north-eastern Estoniaaffected by alkaline oil shale fly ash and cement dust the zonation-method based on average annual (C y) and short-termconcentrations of pollutants in the air was used, as well as on deposition loads of dust and Ca2+. In the overground layer of atmosphere the zones with different air pollution loads were distinguished. A comparative analysis of pollution zones characteristics and biomonitoring data revealed that for sensitive lichen the dangerous level of alkaline dust in the air, introducingthe degradation of Sphagnum sp. at the level of C y of dust 10–20 μg m-3 and at 0.5–1 hr maximums 100–150 μg m-3. For Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) this limited concentration (decline of growth parameters) of cement dust is correspondingly following: 30–50 μg m-3 and 150–500 μg m-3, in case of fly ash the limit level of C y amounting 100 μg m-3. Daily deposition load of Ca2+ should not exceed approximately 4.5–15 mg m-2 for lichen; for conifers the harmful pollution load is higher – >22 mg m-2.