ATMOSPHERIC SULFUR - TRENDS, SOURCES, SINKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Sulphur-containing compounds are emitted naturally to the Earth's atmo sphere from oceans, soils and plants, and as a result of weathering of continental crusts, eruptions from volcanoes and sea sprays. However, since the onset of the industrial revolution, human influences (eg. t he combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, biomass burning, agricultural activities, waste incineration and the use of explosives) have continuously added more sulphur to the atmosphere, thereby pertu rbing its natural cycle. Atmospheric sulphur compounds are major contr ibutors to acidic deposition. They affect the Earth-troposphere radiat ion budget and thus the climate. Sulphur emissions reaching the strato sphere also endanger the ozone layer. In this review, available data c oncerning the atmospheric concentrations, sources, sinks and environme ntal impacts of sulphur compounds are discussed