Expert opinion survey on the impacts of air pollutants on forests of the USA

Abstract

A panel of experts was surveyed to obtain subjective estimates of the current impact of five air pollutants (SO2, NOx, O3, H₂SO₄, and HNO₃) on growth, mortality, and leaf area of forests of the continental U . S. for later input to economic analysis. Results from the first two of three questionnaires are discussed. Estimates of impact were highly variable among panelists (CV's near l00% ), but identify forest types at risk. Southern California conifers and high elevation spruce-fir were perceived most damaged with 10 and 12% median growth reductions. Southern pines, southern hardwoods, northern hardwoods and low elevation spruce-fir were equivalent with 5% reductions. Median impact for other western conifers was 0%. Ozone was perceived the most damaging pollutant in each of the seven forest types investigated, with damage by the two acidic pollutants likely limited to the high elevation spruce-fir. The amenity-related leaf area and mortality measures were less familiar and more volatile. Implications of pollutant interactions, temporal stability, and panel selection are also discussed.

Citation

Pye, J.M.; de Steiguer, J.E.; Love, C. 1988. Expert opinion survey on the impacts of air pollutants on forests of the USA. In: Proceedings of the 14th International Meeting for Specialists in Air Pollution Effects on Forest Ecosystems, IUFRO P2.05, Interlaken, Switzerland, Oct. 2-8, 1988. pp 355-360.