Trends in the atmospheric and hydrological cycle of sulphur at catchments in the Czech Republic

The study is focused on the river basin of the upper Elbe: and especially on the highly polluted area of northwestern Bohemia which is a part of the so-called Black Triangle area. A ten-year data set (1989-1998) of sulphur emissions, ambient air quality, atmospheric deposition and surface run-off has been evaluated. Substantial sulphur downward trend has been stated both for emissions and deposition which correlate well together. Relations between surface run-off and total deposition are discussed. Run-off chemistry of individual river basins is influenced by sulphur deposition and weathering of sulphur-rich heaps of lignite mines to a different degree. The ambient air quality has been improved in the Czech Republic, ambient air sulphur dioxide concentrations dropped and the total sulphur deposition has decreased to 50% of its value in 1989. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.