China pollution control plan criticized

BEIJING, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Scientists say China's limited acid rain control project might cause increases in the country's nitrogen emissions that can damage soil and plants.

Lei Duan and colleagues at Tsinghua University in Beijing said they've determined the nation's sharp focus on reducing widespread acid rain damage by restricting sulfur dioxide air pollution might be offset by increases in nitrogen emissions.

The study suggests government officials adapt a more comprehensive pollution control strategy that includes a new emphasis on cutting nitrogen emissions.

Duan and colleagues say China is trying to stop soil acidification by reducing sulfur dioxide pollution from electric power plant smokestacks. But the scientists say China has paid little attention to pollution from nitrogen oxides, which also contribute to acid rain and soil contamination.

"China needs a multi-pollutant control strategy that integrates measures to reduce sulfur, nitrogen and particulate matter," the researchers said.

The study is to appear in the Nov. 1 issue of the journal Environmental Science & Technology.