Review

The Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants on Freshwater Resources and the Protective Role of Meadow and Pasture Ecosystems

Volume: 6 Number: 4 December 30, 2025
EN

The Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants on Freshwater Resources and the Protective Role of Meadow and Pasture Ecosystems

Abstract

Globally, freshwater resources are severely constrained in both quantity and quality, and are increasingly threatened by atmospheric pollutants resulting from anthropogenic activities such as industrialization, urbanization, and intensive agriculture. Atmospheric emissions of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, etc.), nitrogenous compounds (e.g., NOₓ, NH₃), gaseous pollutants (SO₂, NO₂, O₃, CO) and particulate matter (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, UFP0.1) are deposited into aquatic systems via dry and wet deposition pathways, thereby altering the physicochemical composition of freshwater bodies and compromising the continuity of essential ecosystem services. Notably, processes such as acid deposition, heavy metal accumulation, and eutrophication contribute to biodiversity loss in surface waters, the extinction of sensitive species, and a decline in overall water quality. These effects not only disrupt ecological integrity but also pose substantial risks to public health and economic sustainability. This study comprehensively examines the incorporation of atmospheric pollutants into hydrological systems through deposition mechanisms and reviews their impacts on the structural and functional integrity of freshwater ecosystems. Furthermore, the ecological functions of natural vegetation—particularly meadow and pasture ecosystems—as biological buffers and filters are critically evaluated. These systems mitigate pollutant transport and soil erosion through dense root networks, high vegetative cover, and biochemical interactions. Natural attenuation processes such as phytoremediation enable the uptake, transformation, or sequestration of atmospheric contaminants, highlighting the strategic hydrological and ecological value of such ecosystems. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating nature-based solutions into land and water management frameworks to ensure long-term environmental sustainability. In conclusion, meadow and pasture ecosystems serve not only agricultural functions but also play a pivotal role in the conservation of freshwater resources and environmental resilience. Protecting and managing these natural filtration systems is imperative for mitigating the adverse impacts of atmospheric pollution and for advancing sustainable resource governance.

Keywords

Atmospheric deposition , Ecosystem services , Freshwater quality , Heavy metal contamination , Meadow ecosystems

References

  1. Altın, M., Gökkuş, A., & Koç, A. (2011). Çayır ve mera yönetimi. Tarım ve Köy İşleri Bakanlığı, Tarımsal Üretim ve Geliştirme Genel Müdürlüğü Yayınları. (In Turkish)
  2. Altın, M., Gökkuş, A., Koç, A. (2021). Çayır mera ıslahı. Palme Yayınevi. (In Turkish)
  3. Alvarenga, P., Gonçalves, A. P., Fernandes, R. M., de Varennes, A., Vallini, G., Duarte, E., & Cunha-Queda, A. C. (2009). Organic residues as immobilizing agents in aided phytostabilization:(I) Effects on soil chemical characteristics. Chemosphere, 74(10), 1292-1300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.11.063
  4. Arena, C., De Maio, A., De Nicola, F., Santorufo, L., Vitale, L., & Maisto, G. (2014). Assessment of eco-physiological performance of Quercus ilex L. leaves in urban area by an integrated approach. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 225, 1824. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1824-6
  5. Azimi, S., Rocher, V., Garnaud, S., Varrault, G., & Thevenot, D. R. (2005). Decrease of atmospheric deposition of heavy metals in an urban area from 1994 to 2002 (Paris, France). Chemosphere, 61(5), 645-651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.03.022
  6. Badman, D. G., & Jaffé, E. R. (1996). Blood and air pollution; state of knowledge and research needs. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 114(2), 205-208. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0194-59989670166-3
  7. Balmes, J. R., Fine, J. M., & Sheppard, D. (1987). Symptomatic bronchoconstriction after short-term inhalation of sulfur dioxide. American Review of Respiratory Disease, 136(5), 3674573. https://doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm/136.5.1117
  8. Bano, H., Rather, R. A., Bhat, J. I., Bhat, T. A., Azad, H., Bhat, S. A., & Bhat, M. A. (2021). Effect of pre-sowing treatments using phytohormones and other dormancy breaking chemicals on seed germination of Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. Ex Griseb.: An endangered medicinal plant species of north western Himalaya. Ecology Environment and Conservation, 27, 253-260.
  9. Bano, H., Malik, S., Rather, R. A., Bhat, J. I., Islam, S., Bhat, T. A., & Bhat, M. A. (2022). Impact of anthropogenic activities on physico-chemical properties of sediment of Hokersar wetland: A protected wildlife reserve (Ramsar Site No. 1570) of Kashmir Himalaya. Bangladesh Journal of Botany, 51(1), 83-92. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v51i1.58824
  10. Bennama, M. M. (2006). Libya toprak örneklerinin bazı özelliklerinin saptanması (Master’s thesis, Hacettepe University). (In Turkish)
APA
Aktaş, H., & Aslan, H. (2025). The Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants on Freshwater Resources and the Protective Role of Meadow and Pasture Ecosystems. Journal of Agricultural Production, 6(4), 290-300. https://doi.org/10.56430/japro.1789043