ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION: PROCESSES ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS AND GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE

Atmospheric deposition is the process by which airborne particles, gases, and dissolved compounds are transferred from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface. It occurs through wet deposition (rain, snow, fog) and dry deposition (settling or direct uptake by surfaces) and represents a major pathway for the input of nutrients, pollutants, and acidic compounds into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These deposition fluxes influence biogeochemical cycles, soil and water chemistry, and ecosystem health. This review describes the mechanisms of atmospheric deposition, its ecological consequences, and the importance of monitoring in the context of environmental management.