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Reviewing progress

National indicators

Natural resource protection and enhancing the environment

28. Ecological impacts of air pollution*

Area of sensitive UK habitats exceeding critical loads for acidification and eutrophication, 1996 to 2007

Area affected by acidity since:	1990		2003
Area affected by nitrogen since:	1990		2003

Critical loads are thresholds above which the deposition of pollutants causing acidification and eutrophication (nitrogen deposition) is harmful to the environment. The pollutants arise mainly from burning fossil fuels and emissions from livestock waste. Around a third of UK land area is sensitive to acid deposition, and a third to eutrophication (with some sensitive to both).

In 1996, the percentage of sensitive habitats where acid deposition exceeded critical loads was 73 per cent, declining to 54 per cent by 2007. The percentage area affected changed little between 2003 and 2007.

In 2007, the percentage of sensitive habitats where nitrogen deposition exceeded critical loads was 58 per cent, down from 65 per cent in1996. The percentage area affected changed little between 2003 and 2007.

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Updated: 30 July 2010

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