A comprehensive study recently published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics by a team of international scientists, including Research Associate Stanislav Kutuzov from the Byrd Center's Ice Core Paleoclimatology Research Group, provides a detailed account of the changing patterns of ammonia emissions over southeastern Europe since the 18th century. The research utilizes an 182-meter ice core extracted from Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus (Russia) in 2009 to trace the atmospheric presence of ammonia.

The study, led by Michel Legrand and colleagues, demonstrates a 3.5-fold increase in ammonia concentrations from 1750 to 1990 and the shift from natural soil emissions to predominantly anthropogenic sources over time, mainly stemming from both animal husbandry and agricultural practices due to agricultural expansion and intensification, and the use of ammonia-based fertilizers.

Through advanced atmospheric transport modeling using the FLEXPART model (FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model; Eckhardt et al., 2017), the research team could validate historical emission estimates against the ice-core data, showing strong agreement. This novel approach underscores the significant influence of agricultural practices on ammonia emissions and highlights the broader environmental impacts, including air quality and soil acidity.

The study emphasizes the role of regional geographic factors and climatic conditions in understanding transboundary air pollution issues and sheds light on the historical dynamics of ammonia emissions. It provides a benchmark for evaluating current and future environmental policies to manage ammonia emissions and mitigate their ecological impacts.

Learn More about this study by visiting Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics.