THE ROLE OF ATMOSPHERIC NITROGEN DEPOSITION IN SHAPING WATER AND SOIL CHEMISTRY

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has emerged as a critical environmental concern with far-reaching implications for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems globally. This paper examines the mechanisms, patterns, and ecological consequences of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on water and soil chemistry. Global nitrogen deposition has increased substantially over the past several decades, with current estimates indicating approximately 92.7 Tg N deposited annually to terrestrial surfaces (Yang et al., 2025). This research synthesizes evidence from multiple studies to elucidate how wet and dry nitrogen deposition processes alter soil pH, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, and nutrient dynamics. The transfer of nitrogen from atmospheric sources to soils drives acidification processes, depletes base cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺), and modifies microbial communities responsible for nitrogen transformations. In aquatic systems, atmospheric nitrogen deposition contributes significantly to eutrophication, altering nutrient stoichiometry and promoting harmful algal blooms. This paper presents data demonstrating that chronic nitrogen deposition leads to nitrogen saturation in many temperate and tropical forests, resulting in increased nitrate leaching to surface waters and groundwater contamination. Three figures illustrate nitrogen deposition pathways, soil acidification mechanisms, and eutrophication processes, while tables present comparative data on regional deposition rates and soil chemistry changes. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated nitrogen management strategies to mitigate adverse impacts on ecosystem health and water quality.