Study

Bog recovery in northeastern Estonia after the reduction of atmospheric pollution input

  • Published source details Paal J., Vellak K., Liira J. & Karofeld E. (2009) Bog recovery in northeastern Estonia after the reduction of atmospheric pollution input. Restoration Ecology, 18, 387-400.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Remove pollutants from waste gases before they enter the environment

Action Link
Peatland Conservation
  1. Remove pollutants from waste gases before they enter the environment

    A before-and-after study in 1990–2007 in two raised bogs in Estonia (Paal et al. 2009) reported that after installing improved dust filters in industrial plants (along with a general reduction in emissions), total plant species richness decreased but Sphagnum moss species richness increased. These results were not tested for statistical significance. In the late 1980s/early 1990s, when bogs were polluted by calcium-rich ash, there were 91–123 plant species and nine Sphagnum species/0.1 ha. In 2007, after pollution was reduced, there were only 43–58 plant species but 14 Sphagnum species/0.1 ha. Throughout the 1990s, emissions of calcium-rich ash fell by 80%, partly through fitting improved dust filters but partly through reduced industrial activity. The study does not distinguish between the effects of these changes. In 2007, plant species were recorded in a 0.1 ha plot in each bog. Species richness was compared to published records from the late 1980s/early 1990s.

    (Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)

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