Environmental Impact

Impact on ecosystems

Environmental damage

Particles can be carried over long distances by wind and then settle on ground or water.  Depending on their chemical composition, the effects of this settling may include:

• making lakes and streams acidic
• changing the nutrient balance in coastal waters and large river basins
• depleting the nutrients in soil
• damaging sensitive forests and farm crops
• affecting the diversity of ecosystems
• contributing to acid rain effects.

Damage to built heritage

PM can stain and damage stone and other materials, including culturally important objects such as statues and monuments. Some of these effects are related to acid rain effects on materials.