Probable Air Pathways For Long Range Transport Of Air Pollutants To Lake Athabasca

From investigation of lake sediments, chemical species are known to be transported into northern Alberta river basins via atmospheric pathways. This report describes and presents results of a model used to identify the potential atmospheric routes for airborne contaminants to the Athabasca basin. The model used was the Atmospheric Environment Service's Lagrangian back trajectory model. Differences between frequency of air passages among the seasons and continental regions are noted.

Lists Northern River Basins Study technical reports by issue number, subject, and geographic area studied. Subject areas used to classify the reports are: hydrology/hydraulics, nutrients/dissolved oxygen, contaminants, food chain, drinking water, other uses, traditional knowledge, and synthesis and modelling. Ten geographic divisions are used: three each for the Athabasca and Peace Rivers, and one each of the Wapiti/Smoky rivers, Peace-Athabasca Delta, Lake Athabasca, and Rivière des Rochers/Slave River.

This report highlights critical issues concerning the long-range transport of air pollutants in North America with the intent of fostering increased trilateral cooperation at all levels to deal with this pressing problem. This study reviews the nature, extent, and significance of the pathways by which pollutants travel to, from, and within North America.This report speaks to the public concerns over worsening air quality, reviews, opportunities for cooperation between the three countries, and suggests ways to further the development of a joint strategy for addressing issues of air pollution in North America, by looking at the problem from a transboundary and regional North American perspective.

"This report describes the rationale and design criteria used to develop the aquatic effects monitoring network of the Long Range Transport of Airborne Pollutants (LRTAP) Program. The selection of specific areas or locations where monitoring should be carried out was based on the atmospheric deposition and terrain sensitivity for those areas. The appendices describe the implementation of the network in the Quebec and Atlantic regions and the recommended methods for the collection and analysis of water samples"--Abstract, p. v.

Since the early 1970s, experts have recognized that petroleum pollutants were being discharged in marine waters worldwide, from oil spills, vessel operations, and land-based sources. Public attention to oil spills has forced improvements. Still, a considerable amount of oil is discharged yearly into sensitive coastal environments. Oil in the Sea provides the best available estimate of oil pollutant discharge into marine waters, including an evaluation of the methods for assessing petroleum load and a discussion about the concerns these loads represent. Featuring close-up looks at the Exxon Valdez spill and other notable events, the book identifies important research questions and makes recommendations for better analysis ofâ€"and more effective measures againstâ€"pollutant discharge. The book discusses: Inputâ€"where the discharges come from, including the role of two-stroke engines used on recreational craft. Behavior or fateâ€"how oil is affected by processes such as evaporation as it moves through the marine environment. Effectsâ€"what we know about the effects of petroleum hydrocarbons on marine organisms and ecosystems. Providing a needed update on a problem of international importance, this book will be of interest to energy policy makers, industry officials and managers, engineers and researchers, and advocates for the marine environment.