National Ecosystem Monitoring Network (NEMN) - 2020 Update

Title National Ecosystem Monitoring Network (NEMN) - 2020 Update Authors(s) Kelleghan, David B., Cummins, Thomas, Jones, Laurence, Rowe, Ed, Tang, Sim, Marnane, Ian Publication date 2020-12-02 Publication information Kelleghan, David B., Thomas Cummins, Laurence Jones, Ed Rowe, Sim Tang, and Ian Marnane. “National Ecosystem Monitoring Network (NEMN) - 2020 Update,” 2020. Conference details National Ecosystem Monitoring Network - 2020 Update, Webinar, 2 December 2020 Item record/more information http://hdl.handle.net/10197/11778 Downloaded 2023-10-12T23:57:43Z The UCD community has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you. Your story matters! (@ucd_oa) © Some rights reserved. For more information Welcome to the EPA-UCD-UKCEH Webinar National Ecosystem Monitoring Network (NEMN) - 2020 Update 02 December 2020 The webinar will start at 10:00 and it will be recorded. We will be with you soon… National Ecosystem Monitoring Network (NEMN) - 2020 Update 02 December 2020 Contributors: UCD: David "Dáithí" Kelleghan, Tom Curran, Thomas Cummins, Keelan McHugh, Lorna Marcham UKCEH: Sim Tang, Ed Rowe, Laurence Jones, Simon Smart, Felicity Hayes, Massimo Vieno, Cristina Martin Hernandez, Phil Taylor, Mhairi Coyle, Christine Braban, Ed rowe, Sam Tomlinson, Ulli Dragosits NPWS: Deirdre Lynn, Andy Bleasdale Webinar Outline Time 10:00 10:05 10:15 10:25 10:35 10:50 Presentations Welcome to the webinar Ian Marnane ([email protected]) (Chair), EPA Introduction and proposed updates to network David “Dáithí” Kelleghan ([email protected]), UCD Developing synergies with other networks Thomas Cummins ([email protected]), UCD Site selection and risk-based approach Laurence Jones, ([email protected]), UKCEH Biodiversity and soil monitoring (Level I) Ed Rowe ([email protected]), UKCEH Air quality and deposition monitoring (Level II) Sim Tang ([email protected]), UKCEH 11:05 Q&A 11:50 Closing remarks Ian Marnane, EPA NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Introduction & Proposed Updates to NEMN NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 National Emissions Ceilings Directive • National Emissions Ceilings Directive (2016/2284/EU) • Emission limits for Member States • Specifically; • Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) • Ammonia (NH3) • Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOC) - precursor to ground level ozone • Due to ecological impacts • NECD requires establishment of • Long term atmospheric monitoring networks • Concentration • Deposition • Impacts NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Ireland's Emissions Trend • High deposition, concentrations and impacts • From high emissions • Nationally • Locally • SO2 NOx & NMVOC • below limit & decreasing • NH3 - above limit and increasing • Difficult to meet reduction targets for NOx NH3 and NMVOC all by 2030 • Contribution of NH3 and NOX to nitrogen deposition • Significant driver for ecological impacts • Priority consideration for Ireland's network Buckley, et al. (2020). An Analysis of the Cost of the Abatement of Ammonia Emissions in Irish Agriculture to 2030. Teagasc. NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 NEMN - Introduction • National Ecological Monitoring Network (NEMN) - Ireland's network • Intended to; • Set up long term permanent sites • Monitor; • ecological impacts of air pollution • concentration and deposition of pollutants • Guidance recommends the network be; • Representative • Cost-effective • Risk based • Iterative network with four-year reporting cycle • Improve from cycle to cycle NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 NEMN – First Sites Selected • To encourage cost-effectiveness • Recommended to utilise existing networks • May have data already collected • May already have funding to be carried out • Monitoring for first submission prioritised • "International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects" • on Forests - ICP Forests • on Freshwaters - ICP Waters NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 NEMN - First submission • First submission of historical data June 2019 • Data submitted for 6 sites; • 2 ICP Forests • 1987 - 2017 • 4 ICP Waters • 1990 - 2018 • No data available for proposed; • Bog site • Grassland site • 35 ICP Forests Level I sites NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Feedback from Europan Comission • 2018: Initial sites selected and submitted • The EC were advised Ireland should; • Include more terrestrial ecosystems; • Moors and bogs • Semi-natural grasslands • More monitoring on selected sites • 2019: Higlighted again the need for expansion to include; • Heathlands • Bogs • Acid sensitive grasslands NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 NEMN - Structure • ICP Forests recommends a two-tiered approach; • Level II sites are instrumented • Level I sites feature non-invasive surveys • NEMN - Terrestrial Sites • Level II core – Detailed air quality monitoring • Level II – Just NH3 monitoring • Level I – Biodiversity & soil monitoring • Level 0 – Quadrats collected during any other national surveys NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Recommended Updates • Department of Agriculture Food & Marine - Forests • National Parks and Wildlife Service - Terrestrial Ecosystems • Environmental Protection Agency - Freshwaters • Ensuring monitoring complies with needs of • DAFM, NPWS & NEMN • modification of standard approaches NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Forests • 2 ICP Forests Level II sites need to be re-established • 35 ICP Forests Level I monitored by DAFM. • Recommend 35 ICP Forest Level I sites increase monitoring • Currently focus on crown condition • Should expand to include; • Moss sample collection • Soil sample collection • Analysis of samples should be contracted out by EPA NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Freshwaters • 4 ICP Waters sites continue collecting monthly freshwater chemistry & biodiversity data • These sites should be expanded to include atmospheric monitoring • Requires increased sampling frequency • 20 NEMN Level I sites • Use upland lakes previously monitored by Trent University in Canada • Typically in remote difficult to access areas • Recommend: • Chemical & biological sampling • once a year • On 5 sites per year • Covering 20 sites over 4-year cycle NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Terrestrial Ecosystems • Recommend synergy with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) • Natura2000status reported under Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) every 6 years • Supporting surveys form Irish Wildlife Manuals • Basis for terrestrial ecosystem NEMN site selection • Strongly recommend linking with NPWS future surveys with NEMN • would require; • permanent sites • additional surveys (i.e. soil and moss collection) • increase in monitoring frequency • NEMN has 4 year reporting cycle NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Linking and Synergies NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 NEMN Design NEC Directive National Emissions Ceilings (NEC) Directive (2016/2284/EU) LRTAP 2020 ICPs Emissions Reductions 2030 NOx NMVOCs SO2 NH3 PM2.5 AAQD O3 Climate Action Plan Monitoring of Impacts Risk-based NEMN Design WFD Representative Cost-effective Habitats Directive Birds Directive Introduction NATURA 2000 National Ecosystem Monitoring Network Data NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Linking with other networks • Linking with other monitoring networks will benefit the NEMN • Increasing resolution of NH3 monitoring – significant benefit to national models NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 NEMN Colocations and Synergies DECC, DCHG, DAFM NPWS Habitats Directive Article 17 reporting EPA Water Framework Directive Article 15 reporting EPA CLRTAP ICP Waters ICP Forests ICP Vegetation ICP Integrated Monitoring ICP M&M Upland Lakes (TrentU) EMEP, Met Éireann, CAFÉ Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network, ICOS, LTER, Teagasc, Bord na Móna, Coillte, AgMet COSMOS network, TU Dublin fungi & pollen network Introduction NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 NEMN Level I & II: Selecting habitats and sites NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 Selecting habitats To get evidence for pollution impacts we need enough data points along the pollution gradient, so we recommend 15 sites per habitat. Site visit costs are large, so we recommend a full set of measurements at each site, once every 4 years. We recommend adapting to available resources by limiting the number of habitats included in the first phase (for NECD data submission 2023). More habitats may be added in next phase. Stevens et al. (2004) Science 303: 1876-1878. NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 Habitats selected Criteria: • sensitive to air pollution, in particular N deposition and gaseous ammonia • of particular conservation importance within Ireland We recommend including five new habitats in Phase 1 (for data submission 2023) • • • • • Raised Bog Blanket Bog Wet Heath Calcareous Grassland Molinia Meadow Other networks will provide data for Forests and Freshwaters (see recommendations) NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 NEMN Level I: Risk-based approach to site selection Sites should be: • Representative of N risk • Take account of co-correlated or modifying factors • Rainfall, S, O3, management, size Selection • 15 per habitat • Balanced across N dep gradient (& rainfall) • Stratified selection process • Practical considerations • Links to other networks, inclusion of key Level II sites NEMN Level I: example – Calcareous grassland Selection • 5 classes along N dep gradient • ~3 sites per class • (Rainfall not represented across full gradient, so pairings across classes) NEMN Level I: Calcareous grassland contd… NEMN Level I: Blanket bog + Heath NEMN Level I: Final proposed sites Proposed NEMN Level I Network 2020 Including: • Selected terrestrial habitats • ICP Forests Level I • Selected upland lakes Level II Criteria for site selection • Focused on extremes of the gradient: very clean and potentially highly impacted • Spatial coverage across Ireland • Accessibility • Willingness of site managers/owners Stevens et al. (2004) Science 303: 1876-1878. NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 NEMN Level II Core: Proposed sites • 4 ICP Waters sites existing and collecting data • 2 ICP Forests sites existing • Not currently collecting data • Proposed new Level II sites; • 3 Raised Bogs • 2 Calcareous Grasslands • 2 Blanket Bog / Heath / Molinia Meadow • These sites will receive intensive air pollution monitoring • Selected from Level I sites to represent high and low end of N deposition range and • To have even spread of sites across the country NEMN Level II: Proposed extension sites for NH3 monitoring • Due to prevalence of NH3 in Ireland • Due to agriculture • Additional Level II sites recommended to monitor NH3 concentrations • NH3 is highly spatially variable • Selected from Level I sites • Includes Level II core • Level II increases the monitoring resolution of NH3 on sensitive habitats • 6 Raised Bogs • 4 Calcareous Grasslands • 3 Blanket Bog / Heath • 2 Molinia Meadow NEMN Level I: Biodiversity and soil monitoring NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 Ecosystem Impacts Air pollution harms ecosystems through: - eutrophication (N) - direct toxicity (ammonia, ozone) - acidification (N, S) - accumulation (e.g. heavy metals) Nitrogen favours the growth of tall, lightcompetitive species. Short species are lost. d Canopy Height Class 4.0 3.8 c 3.6 3.4 bc 3.2 3.0 ab a 2.8 2.6 2.4 Threatened Rare Uncommon Decreasing Increasing Conservation status Maskell LC et al. (2010) Global Change Biology 16, 671–679 Hodgson et al. (2014) Functional Ecology 28: 1284-1291 NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 Approach to sample collection Measurements related to air pollution impacts are mainly slow to change Monitoring every 4 years is appropriate, and matches NECD reporting cycle Samples of soil & biomass; recording of plants and lichens at the same points • We recommend establishing permanent sampling points • Five sampling points per habitat (to calculate constancy, and for bulk soil sample) • Located semi-randomly but within 20 minutes’ walk NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 Biogeochemical indicators of air pollution impacts Reynolds et al. (2013) Vadose Zone Journal 12: doi:10.2136/vzj2012.0114 (prop. of max for the species) Moss N – response to N deposition Moss N % Soil pH – recovery from acidification Rowe et al. (2017) Biological Conservation 212: 454-463 We recommend: • One bulk 0-15 cm soil sample from 5 points per habitat (per site) • Soil pH (10 g fresh soil in 25 mL water) • Soil organic C and N (g 100 g-1) • Moss tissue %N, preferably Hylocomium splendens or Pleurozium schreberi for acidic habitats; Pseudoscleropodium purum for calcareous habitats • But not: soil solution; horizon-based sampling; other optional parameters NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 Indicators of air pollution impacts on biodiversity Species richness (n species per quadrat) Stevens et al. (2004) Science 303: 1876-1878. Positive indicator species & ‘Habitat Suitability Index’ Rowe et al. (2016) PLOS-ONE doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0161085 Occurrence and abundance of plant and lichen species provides indicators of: • biodiversity (e.g. species-richness; presence of positive indicators; forb/grass ratio) • environmental conditions (e.g. mean “Ellenberg” N score; mean typical height; nitrophile/nitrophobe ratio) We recommend floristic assessments, including bryophytes and lichens NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 Floristic monitoring – permanent plots Strongest evidence for pollutant impacts comes from vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens Evidence from permanent plots is particularly valuable Allowing the plot location to change tends to underestimate vegetation change, due to real or perceived change of habitat class. We recommend ensuring that plots can be re-found using a combination of accurate GPS, plot location photos and sketch maps, aluminium plates and wooden stakes. Requires a protocol for substituting for plots that have been destroyed Hearn et al. (2011) J Environmental Management doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.11.021 NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 Floristic monitoring methods We recommend • a complete species-list (with bryophytes and lichens) • visual estimates of cover (DOMIN or %) • a nested quadrat design, or if not that, 2 x 2 m quadrats Search centre 1 x 1 m first, then record additional species in each ring • Separate surveys of epiphytes for forests NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 Thank you for your attention Feedback and suggestions would be appreciated Ed Rowe [email protected] NEMN-Design workshop, 2nd Dec 2020 Air quality and deposition monitoring (Level II) OUTLINE • Air pollution impacts: acidification, eutrophication and ground level ozone • Cost efficient monitoring – tiered approach and synergies with existing networks • Overview of suitable air monitoring approaches and recommendations NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Air quality and deposition monitoring (Level II) MONITOR (Article 9) and REPORT (Article 10) to EC: Negative impacts of air pollution on ecosystems (acidification, eutrophication and ozone damage) Acidification 2018 (eq ha-1 yr-1) No exceedance < 200 200 – 400 400 – 600 600 – 800 800 – 1200 <1200 5.2 % of ecosystem area in exceedance Eutrophication 2018 (eq ha-1 yr-1) No exceedance < 200 200 – 400 400 – 600 600 – 800 800 – 1200 <1200 64.8 % of ecosystem area in exceedance https://emep.int/publ/reports/2020/EMEP_Status_Report_1_2020.pdf NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 National Emissions Reduction Commitments (NERC) (Data source: Ireland’s air pollutant emission report, June 2020) Assess changes and potential recovery in ecosystem responses to emissions reductions of air pollutants. NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Acidifying and Eutrophying atmospheric pollutants NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 NECD Article 9 reporting template: AQ parameters Gases NH3 NOx SO2 Wet deposition Ozone PODy Carbon Flux H+, NH4+, NO3SO42-, ClBase cations Ozone Net C uptake Exceedance of critical levels / loads: • Acidification • Eutrophication PODy Exceedance of flux-based critical levels - ozone 43 NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Air pollution monitoring - tiered approach Recommendations Level II core 9 Terrestrial 4 ICP Waters • Monthly gases (NH3, HNO3, NO2, SO2) and aerosols (NH4+, NO3-, SO42-) • Bi-monthly wet deposition Level II 17 Terrestrial 4 ICP Waters Level 1 95 Terrestrial 20 Freshwater Complemented by data from existing networks: • • • • • Monthly NH3 • Modelled concentrations and deposition • Comparison with critical levels and loads National ambient AQ network (NOx, SO2, O3, PM2.5) EMEP (TIN, TIA, NH3*, wet deposition) Met Éireann (wet deposition) Teagasc (NH3 flux) / ICOS (C flux) NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Level 1: Modelled concentrations and depositions EMEP4UK EMEP4IE Massimo Vieno UKCEH EMEP Cathcart et al. (MÉRA dataset) NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Air and precipitation chemistry protocols EU directives ➢ Ambient Air Quality Directive – EU reference methods ICP monitoring schemes ➢ ICP Air Monitoring Protocols ➢ ICP Integrated Monitoring EMEP ➢ European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) manual for sampling and chemical analysis Other ➢ Equivalent methods NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Air chemistry protocols • Low-time resolution methods • Passive methods • Active methods with low power requirement NH3 ALPHA® sampler NO2 Palmes-type Diffusion Tubes Gases: NH3, HNO3, SO2 Aerosols: NH4+, NO3-, SO42- DELTA® denuderfilter pack method 47 NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 Precipitation chemistry protocols Bulk wet deposition Throughfall (in forests) Bulk precipitation collectors, e.g. NILU design Recommend bi-monthly collections (monthly not recommended: need to add chemical preservative to prevent microbial degradation) https://www.icp-forests.org/pdf/manual/2010/Manual_2010_Depo.pdf 48 NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020 SUMMARY • Tiered levels approach – cost efficient monitoring of air pollution impacts (acidification, eutrophication and ground level ozone). • Level I: Modelled data, complemented by data from existing networks. • Level II: NH3 at all sites. • Level II core: gas and aerosol components, wet deposition. • Recommendations for suitable air and precipitation chemistry – ICP/WMO-GAW/EMEP/national protocols. NEMN Design Webinar – Virtual – 2nd December 2020