Originally published Monday, July 20, 2009 at 10:44 AM

Trend worsening for pollutant in 16 national parks

A pollutant that can slowly trigger changes in the lives of plants and animals is increasingly being found in 16 National Park Service sites, mostly in the Western United States.

By MIKE STARK

Associated Press Writer

SALT LAKE CITY —

A pollutant that can slowly trigger changes in the lives of plants and animals is increasingly being found in 16 National Park Service sites, mostly in the Western United States.

Air quality data obtained by The Associated Press shows significant worsening trends for ammonium in several flagship parks, including Yellowstone, Mount Rainier and Utah's Canyonlands.

Ammonium is often linked with fertilizers, agricultural operations and urban pollution.

Rich in nitrogen, the pollutant can act like a fertilizer and cause changes to soil and water chemistry. In large enough doses, it also can affect the diversity of species and give fuel for exotic grasses that, in turn, facilitate the spread of wildfires.

Scientists say they're unable to pinpoint the sources of the ammonium, which is carried in rain and snow.

More Local News headlines...

E-mail article Print Share

Comments

No comments have been posted to this article.

Read all comments / Share your thoughts