Allott, TEH; Curtis, CJ; Hughes, M; Kernan, M; (2000) Empirical critical loads modelling for freshwater ecosystems. (ECRC Research Reports 65 ). UCL Environmental Change Research Centre: London, UK.

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Abstract

In the UK various critical load models have been used to derive maps based on the national grid for developing sulphur and nitrogen abatement strategies as required by the UNECE. However many features of the current models and maps are inappropriate for management tool purposes. Freshwaters need to be managed on a catchment, not a grid, basis and management needs to regard the whole biological system, not just target species. Moreover, exceedance calculations at a catchment scale need to be based on deposition fluxes of high spatial resolution, and response models must incorporate the heterogeneous nature of hydrological flows in space and time. The project addresses these issues. A range of sophisticated numerical techniques have been used to model the relationships between catchment characteristics, flow pathways, water chemistry and biology, with special attention being paid to uncertainty analysis. During this integrated three-year integrated project a new critical loads methodology specifically for the management of catchments of all sizes throughout the UK has been developed. Nine separate research institutions, have been involved each with an international reputation in freshwater acidification and critical loads research. Existing datasets have been used for the most part, with new data generation where appropriate. The project was structured according to a number of inter-related modules addressing key scientific issues.

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