Acidification & Eutrophication

Acidification of soil and water and eutrophication of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems are two environmental problems that to a great extent are caused by the same pollutants.

The main cause of acidification is the airborne deposition of sulphur.

Nitrogen compounds (nitrogen oxides and ammonia) are the dominant cause of eutrophication of many ecosystems on land and at sea, but also contribute increasingly to acidification.

In this section (see left hand column) you can learn more about the pollutants, their effects as well as what can be done to counteract their spread.

The protocols under the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution and the EU directive on national emission ceilings are the most important instruments to bring about emission reductions within Europe.