Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The NADP is comprised of a technical committee (all participants), an executive committee, several scientific committees, and a series of subcommittees focusing on specific areas of the ongoing project, including operations, quality assurance, ecological response and outreach, and data management. All approved meeting minutes from our FY17 Spring and FY2016 and 17 Fall Meetings (and all other meetings) are available on our website (nadp.isws.illinois.edu/committees/minutes.aspx). Posting of committee minutes is controlled by each committee, with some subcommittee minutes delayed for approval.

The National Research Support Project – No. 3 (NRSP3) provides a framework for cooperation among State Agricultural Experiment Stations (SAES), the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and other cooperating governmental and non-governmental organizations that support the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). The NADP provides quality-assured data and information on the exposure of managed and natural ecosystems and cultural resources to acidic compounds, nutrients, base cations, and mercury in precipitation and through dry deposition of several of these compounds. NADP data support informed decisions on air quality and ecosystem issues related to precipitation chemistry.

Specifically, researchers use NADP data to investigate the impacts of atmospheric deposition on the productivity of managed and natural ecosystems; the chemistry of estuarine, surface, and ground waters; and the biodiversity in forests, shrubs, grasslands, deserts, and alpine vegetation. These research activities address the mission of the NRSPs of “development of … support activities (e.g., collect, assemble, store, and distribute materials, resources and information)… to accomplish high priority research”. Researchers also use NADP Mercury networks and data to examine the effect of atmospheric deposition on the mercury content of fish, and to better understand the link between environmental and dietary mercury and human health. This fits with an agriculture research priority of food safety. 

The NADP operates three precipitation chemistry networks: the National Trends Network (NTN), the Atmospheric Integrated Research Monitoring Network (AIRMoN), and the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN). This report is specifically for the 48 NTN sites operated at the miscellaneous SAESs, and in part supported by this agreement. But, this report covers all of the accomplishments and impacts from all NADP networks.

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State Agricultural Experiment Stations within NADP.

The NTN provides the only long-term nationwide record of basic ion wet deposition in the United States. Sample analysis includes free acidity (H⁺ as pH), specific conductance, and concentration and deposition measurements for calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfate, nitrate, chloride, bromide, and ammonium. We also measure orthophosphate ions (PO₄^3-, the inorganic form), but only for quality assurance as an indicator of sample contamination. At the end of September 2017, 263 NTN stations were collecting one-week precipitation samples in 48 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Canada, and in Argentina, and include the SAES sites shown in the map above. Additionally, there are multiple quality assurance and testing sites located in Illinois, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Complementing the NTN is the 6-site AIRMoN, which are essentially NTN sites, operated on a daily basis (i.e., single precipitation events). Samples are collected to support continued research of atmospheric transport and removal of air pollutants and development of computer simulations of these processes.

The 100-site MDN offers the only long-term and routine measurements of mercury in North American precipitation. Measurements of total mercury concentration and deposition (and optional methyl-mercury) are used to quantify mercury deposition to water bodies, some of which have fish and wildlife mercury consumption advisories. Since 2008, every state and 10 Canadian provinces listed advisories warning people to limit fish consumption due to high mercury levels. Coastal advisories are also in place for Atlantic waters from Maine to Rhode Island, from North Carolina to Florida, for the entire U.S. Gulf Coast, and for coastal Hawaii and Alaska.

The NADP operates two newer gaseous atmospheric chemistry networks: the Atmospheric Mercury Network (AMNet) and the Ammonia Monitoring Network (AMoN). In each case, the network goal is to provide atmospheric concentrations of these particular gases, and then to estimate the rate of dry deposition (without precipitation) of the gas. In many cases, dry deposition of the gas could far exceed the wet deposition of the same compound.

At the end of September 2017, 21 AMNet sites were collecting five-minute estimates of gaseous elemental mercury and two-hourly average concentrations of gaseous oxidized mercury and particulate bound mercury. The AMNet provides the only long-term region-wide record of basic atmospheric mercury concentrations in the United States. The AMoN has 101 operating sites, where two-week averages of atmospheric ammonia gas are collected with passive devices. This low-cost network is designed to provide long-running estimates of ammonia in the atmosphere. These data are particularly important to agriculture, since many sources of ammonia are agricultural. Data from both gaseous networks support continued research of atmospheric transport and removal through dry deposition, and development of computer simulations of these processes.

Within this NRSP, there are three stated goals: 1) management and coordination of the five NADP monitoring networks; 2) site support, chemical analysis, and data validation for network sites directly supported by this agreement; and 3) quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure consistent operation and standard operational procedures. During this annual period, all three of our goals were met.

The major accomplishment of the NADP is the operation of the five monitoring networks. Operation, maintenance, management, quality assurance, and data distribution from these networks is the major outcome of this grant and project. Network specifics are listed below.

The principal output or deliverable from the NADP’s five networks is the database of precipitation chemistry and deposition rates, along with atmospheric gaseous concentrations intended for the development of dry deposition fluxes (AMoN, AMNet). The wet deposition database has almost 500,000 observations in it now.

Short-term Outcomes and Outputs.

Samples Collected. NADP’s principal objective and accomplishment/outcome is the collection, analysis and quality assurance of samples for precipitation and atmospheric chemistry. Briefly, there were 13,636 precipitation samples collected and analyzed by the NTN (not including QA samples), for all network sites. The analyses included observations of 10 different analyte concentrations and precipitation volume, which allow for calculation of deposition flux for each analyte. In the other networks there were 927 precipitation samples from the AIRMoN, 2,663 gaseous ammonia samples collected by the AMoN, 5,294 total mercury samples collected by the MDN, and approximately 112,500 hourly and two-hourly mercury fraction concentrations collected in the AMNet. All data are available on the NADP website, and were summarized in annual maps and figures.

Major Activity: Our principal output is the collection and analysis of precipitation chemistry and atmospheric chemistry samples. For all of these networks except AMNet, 22,520 samples were collected of the four network types. In AMNet, 112,000 hourly/2-hourly gaseous observations from the AMNet. Specifics are included in the products section of this report.

NADP Database.  Our second most important accomplishment/outcome is making data available to all for the support of continued research. Scientists, policymakers, educators, students, and others are encouraged to access data at no charge from the NADP website (nadp.isws.illinois.edu).  This website offers online retrieval of individual data points, seasonal and annual averages, trend plots, concentration and deposition maps, reports, manuals, and other data and information about the program. The NTN database is now populated by 450,000 observations of precipitation chemistry for all sites and all years.  As of today, 2016 calendar year data are complete and online, and the 2017 data are posted through August, with final QA to be completed in the next few months (final data QA is completed after the full year of data is available).

Internet disbursement of precipitation chemistry and atmospheric data is the primary route of dissemination for the NADP project. Website usage statistics provide evidence that our data are being used. During this reporting period, we recorded 33,027 registered users who accessed our website information and viewed our website 1,269,000 different times/pages (“hits”). Maps and NADP data from the five monitoring networks were downloaded 23,641 times during the 12 months.

We continually collect basic information about our data users, and this year was again very typical; about 40% were from federal and state agencies, 36% from universities, 16% from K-to-12 schools, and 8% from other individuals or organizations. These statistics demonstrate that NADP continues to be relevant to the scientific, policy, and educational communities. NADP data are used by policy makers to make informed decisions on agriculturally important topics, including the impact of atmospheric pollutant on the North American food supply.  Data are also used in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curricula on the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary level.  All NADP data are available free of charge (nadp.isws.illinois.edu).

Map Summary.  The 2016 annual map series of atmospheric concentrations, wet deposition fluxes, and report was developed during Summer 2017 and finalized and printed in September/October 2017. For each summary and calendar year, the NADP produces a series of 23 national maps of wet deposition concentration and flux maps for all of our analytes, and summary figures for each of the gaseous networks. These maps are used widely and are one of the major network products. Individual maps are filed by network, year, and constituent, and can be downloaded in several formats (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/data/annualmaps.aspx). Individual maps are compiled into annual Map Summary reports, and the summaries are available for download (nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/dataReports.aspx). We printed 2000 copies of the 2016 Annual Summary, and distribution has begun. We printed 2000 copies of the 2015 Map Summary (Sept 2016) and all have been distributed.

Fall Scientific Meeting (FY2016 & 17).  At the end of each federal year, a combined business and scientific meeting is held to showcase some of the latest deposition research that occurred during the year. Additionally, during each spring, a 3 day business meeting is also held.

FY17 Fall Scientific Meeting: This meeting was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico between October 31 - November 4, 2016 (beginning of this reporting period). Information about is available here (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/conf/2016/). The meeting included 130 attendees, eleven oral sessions, 48 oral presentations, and 27 posters. The meeting was highlighted by a presentation from Dr. Dan Wildcat, Director, Haskell Environmental Research Studies (HERS) Center, Haskell Indian Nations University, and entitled “Understanding the Natural LAW: Land, Air and Water” (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/videoLib/symposia.aspx). The meeting included discussions of both wet and dry deposition measurement, and agricultural emissions, etc.

After FY17, and after this project period (Oct. 2017), the Fall Meeting and Symposium was held in San Diego, CA and will appear in next year’s report.

Every spring, NADP holds a 3-day business meeting (Technical Committee, subcommittees, Executive Committee). All final committee meeting minutes are available here (nadp.isws.illinois.edu/committees/minutes.aspx). The NADP Spring Business Meeting (FY2017) was held in Louisville, KY, and the Spring 2018 meeting will be held in Milwaukee, WI in April. Attendance in Louisville was about 80 members.

These basic activities fulfilled the project objectives: (1) coordination of these networks; (2) quality assurance to ensure consistency; and (3) analytical, site support, and data validation services for the sites financed directly through this agreement. Again, this report is for the 48 SAES sites, but the network results are equivalent for all sites. Over the year, 48 SAES sites operated, including a relatively new SAES site operating at North Carolina Agricultural and Technology University (NCA&T). It became an active NTN site on Jan 30, 2015. NCA&T is a historically black university and is an 1890 Land-Grant University. This site operation with cooperation of the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

Additional notable outcomes during the project period are as follows:

One major change during this reporting period (August, 2017) for the NADP is the move from a home base of the University of Illinois to the University of Wisconsin’s State Laboratory of Hygiene. This move will be for both the Program Office and laboratory services for the NTN, AIRMoN, and AMoN networks. The PO will move effective 2/28/2018. Laboratory services will move sometime in the summer period. Planning for the move is currently ongoing. The transition is proceeding reasonably well at the moment, and will very likely be a relatively smooth transition.

During the last 24 months, EROS subcommittee undertook a rewrite of our traditional “Nitrogen in the Nation’s Rain”, which is a general sciences booklet aimed at laymen and 6-12th grade science students. The new version, now called “Nitrogen from the Atmosphere” was completed in Aug. 2016, and is available on our website (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/brochures/nitrogenAtmos.pdf) and in print from the Program Office. At this fall’s NADP meeting, EROS will develop a plan for further distribution, with an emphasis on distribution to science teachers. Two thousand copies were printed for distribution.

The Ecological Research and Outreach Subcommittee (EROS) has also developed a series of science videos, aimed at more general audiences, which cover topics such as acid precipitation, ammonia in the atmosphere, nitrogen cycling in ecosystems, etc. During the 2016 and 2017 year, 10 videos were developed, edited and added to our listing and are available on NADP’s website (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/videoLib/). This is a new direction for NADP, and many more videos are planned.

During the past year, several other important results have occurred beyond our basic mission and goals.

• Collaboration with USGS on mercury isotopes monitoring (FY16-17), with a goal of determining the ultimate source of mercury (atmospheric deposition, coal combustion, etc.). Measurement are being made at 20 NADP MDN sites for two years (started in early 2017);
• Collaboration with Asia countries, USEPA and EPA-Taiwan on mercury monitoring (FY14-17) across Asia, with NADP providing “know how” for network development and continuous monitoring; countries include Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Canada, Vietnam, Australia, Mongolia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Philippines, and Myanmar (http://rsm2.atm.ncu.edu.tw/apmmn/);
• NADP’s Total Deposition Committee (TDep) is working with EPA scientists to produce a web-based tool to estimate dry deposition, and with NADP deposition to provide basic maps of total N and S deposition, resulting in a next-generation map series for total deposition, accessible by the research community (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/committees/tdep/tdepmaps/). New maps were produced during the year;
• Full integration of PRISM/USDA-NRCS precipitation data into our precipitation deposition mapping routines, and PRISM is supported by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate/). This important change continues;
• The Critical Loads Atmospheric Deposition Subcommittee, a NADP Science Subcommittee, received approval for five more years of operation; and
• Litterfall Mercury Pilot Network: working with USGS scientists, the NADP is operating a pilot litterfall network for a 6^th year (26 sites) to determine the deposition of mercury with forest litterfall. The network is designed to determine the feasibility and easy of network measurement, for the potential adoption by the NADP as a full network.
• Equipment Upgrade: Originating with a Technical Committee decision in 2006, the NADP has converted the overwhelming majority of its older-style mechanical precipitation gages to digital-style precipitation gages. There are only 23 remaining sites, representing < 8% of the network.

During CY2017, 213 journal articles and reports were generated using the NADP data, and are listed in the publication section of this report. This is again evidence that NADP continues to produce data that are both valuable and useful. Reports for Oct.-Dec. 2016 are listed in the CY2016 report (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/bibliography.aspx). Additionally, in support of our education and outreach responsibilities, NADP data was used in 29 dissertation and theses (also included in the bibliography).

Continued Quality Assurance Audits.  NADP contract laboratories and the Program Office are each reviewed annually in rotation to identify problems, improve performance, and provide external checks to the program. These audit team members are a mix of external and NADP member scientists. The CAL was audited in 2011 and 2014 and 2017; the HAL in 2015 and will be audited in 2018; and the Program Office in 2013, and 2016. The audit report was delivered, and responses and updates to the Program Office are ongoing.

During the project period, several other additional products were developed, including an updated version of the NTN Site Operations Manual, and the Site Systems and Performance Survey QA Project Plan. These can be found here: http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/manualsSOPs.aspx. In addition, we have new versions of many of our twenty-seven Standard Operation Procedures from individual networks were approved and being used (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/committees/minutes.aspx). These will improve the performance of the network in future years.

Future Work/Directions

NADP is currently in discussions with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (FY16-17) and affiliated organizations (including NOAA, EPA, CDC, etc.) for a national allergen tracking network of aeroallergens (causing rhinitis {hay fever} and asthma). The CSTE is concerned about the lack of routine and consistent measurements, and this could be an important network for agricultural activities. The NADP formed a short-term science committee (AeroAllergens) to formalize this effort.

The Technical Committee has requested that NADP publish its digital precipitation record (approximately 300 gages) as an independent precipitation database to be used as our other wet and dry deposition databases. This should be added during FY18 and provide additional data with no additional expenditures. This will allow researchers to access the precipitation data as a stand-alone product.

Training: During the next year, we intend to produce online “training classes” that operators can take on their own schedule. These classes will use video footage of the earlier training classes (discussed above), and utilize one-on-one questioning periods with the site liaisons to provide a chance for the operators to ask questions, and for the site liaisons to assure that the operators/students understand what is needed and expected at our NADP sites.

With the transition to UWisc., there will be significant changes in the leadership of the NADP. Some of the employees will migrate to the new Program Office, but many will not. This will certainly result in changes to the management of the program. However, the goal is to make this transition as seamless to the operators and data users as possible. Therefore, new methods for management will be coming in the next few months.

Publications

Includes 213 publications that used NADP data, resulted from NRSP 3 activities in calendar year 2017 (articles published in 2016 Oct-Dec are listed in the 2016 CY bibliography available online). A publically available online listing of citations using NADP data is accessible at: nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/bibliography.aspx.

See attached file for full listing.