Air Pollution Effects on Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the delicate ecological balance within biological systems such as species and populations. Evidence suggests air pollution disrupts and impoverishes ecosysytems processes, and genetic and population diversity. Based on a symposium conducted by the EPA's Environmental Research Laboratory, this book pulls together current knowledge on the subject, assesses its relevance, and offers a framework for future research on the impact of air pollution on biodiversity through all levels of biological organization. This text is particularly timely due to acid rain and other toxic problems. The text also discusses the best available control technology, management practices, alternative chemicals, and legislative ways to reduce the impact of air pollution on biodiversity.

I. Introduction.- 1 The Effects of Air Pollution on Biodiversity: A Synopsis.- 2 Biological Diversity in an Ecological Context.- II. Overview of Air Pollution Exposure and Effects.- 3 Air Pollution Transport, Deposition, and Exposure to Ecosystems.- 4 Monitoring Atmospheric Effects on Biological Diversity.- 5 Action of Pollutants Individually and in Combination.- 6 Air Pollution Interactions with Natural Stressors.- III. Consequences of Air Pollution Exposure on Biodiversity.- 7 Genetic Diversity of Plant Populations and the Role of Air Pollution.- 8 Air Pollution Effects on Plant Reproductive Processes and Possible Consequences to Their Population Biology.- 9 Air Pollution Effects on the Diversity and Structure of Communities.- 10 Air Pollution Effects on Terrestrial and Aquatic Animals.- 11 Air Pollution Effects on Ecosystem Processes.- IV. Policy Issues and Research Needs.- 12 Policy Framework Issues for Protecting Biological Diversity.- 13 The Science-Policy Interface.- 14 Air Pollution Effects on Biodiversity: Research Needs.