Trends in the atmospheric and hydrological cycle of sulphur at catchments in the Czech Republic

The study is focused on the river basin of the upper Elbe and especially on the highly polluted area of northwestern Bohemia which is a part of the so-called Black Triangle area. A ten-year data set (1989–1998) of sulphur emissions, ambient air quality, atmospheric deposition and surface run-off has been evaluated. Substantial sulphur downward trend has been stated both for emissions and deposition which correlate well together. Relations between surface run-off and total deposition are discussed. Run-off chemistry of individual river basins is influenced by sulphur deposition and weathering of sulphur-rich heaps of lignite mines to a different degree. The ambient air quality has been improved in the Czech Republic, ambient air sulphur dioxide concentrations dropped and the total sulphur deposition has decreased to 50% of its value in 1989.