REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION OVER LAKE BAIKAL

Abstract

Lake Baikal, with its unique ecosystem and containing approximately 20–22% of the world's freshwater, is subject to significant atmospheric pollution from both anthropogenic and natural sources. This paper examines the main pollutants (PP) entering the atmosphere and settling in the lake's waters, including greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O), sulfur and nitrogen oxides (SO₂, NOₓ), suspended particles (PM10, PM2.5), and toxic compounds such as atmospheric mercury. Particular attention is paid to the sources of pollution—industrial hubs (Irkutsk-Cheremkhovo, Severobaikalsk, Ulan-Ude), motor vehicles, railways, shipping, and forest fires. An analysis of regional characteristics shows that the mountain ranges surrounding the lake impede the dispersion of pollutants, while prevailing northwesterly winds facilitate the transport of emissions from industrial centers along the Angara River valley. Research conducted near the village of Listvyanka identified two key pollution mechanisms: the nocturnal transport of poorly dispersed plumes from individual thermal power plants and the large-scale synoptic transport of mixed emissions. It is shown that emissions from large coal-fired thermal power plants in the Irkutsk, Angarsk, and Ulan-Ude regions have a significant impact on atmospheric air quality and can lead to the acidification of coastal soils and tributaries. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need not only for a transition to clean energy in coastal communities but also for a drastic reduction in pollutant emissions from large industrial sources to preserve Lake Baikal's ecological balance.