Effects of Cruise Ship Emissions on Air Quality and Terrestrial Vegetation in Southeast Alaska
Geiser L, Schirokauer D, Bytnerowicz A, Dillman K, Fenn M. 2010. Effects of Cruise Ship Emissions on Air Quality and Terrestrial Vegetation in Southeast Alaska. Alaska Park Science. 9(2):27–31
Increased tourism in Southeast Alaska has raised concerns about the levels and ecological effects of air pollutants emitted by cruise ships in dock and in transit. A multi-agency, regional monitoring program is in place to measure regional and local air pollutants accumulated by vegetation and in deposition. Early results suggest that nitrogen and sulfur oxides, and deposition of sulfur, lead, zinc and vanadium are elevated in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (KLGO) and the adjacent Skagway municipality. Nitrogen and sulfur deposition were elevated at Sitka National Historical Park. Ten-year re-measurements from KLGO and Skagway provide evidence of increasing nitrogen and decreasing lead and nickel deposition, consistent with increased cruise ship port time and the discontinuation of uncontained mining ore transfers in Skagway harbor. Strongest pollution zones correspond with highest human population densities.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Geiser, Linda; Schirokauer, David; Bytnerowicz, Andrzej; Dillman, Karen; Fenn, Mark
- Units
- NRSS