Potential effects of surface ozone on forests in Gangwon Province, South Korea, based on critical thresholds

High hourly concentrations of ozone, a secondary pollutant produced from the photochemical reactions primary precursors, have been increasing in South Korea, bringing potential adverse effects on vegetation. Deforestation caused by high ozone has investigated China and Japan. Using measurements East West, Gangwon Province, 2001 to 2018, this study compared changes surface analyzed influences meteorological factors air pollutants. This calculated accumulated exposure over threshold 40 ppb (AOT40) possibility affecting deforestation. Monthly average increased rapidly both regions 2009. Although daily total insolation (a factor that significantly impacts reactions) West did not differ significantly, concentration was lower than (1.5 times 2018) owing local strong winds. Moreover, there negative correlation between nitrogen dioxide generation. AOT40 about twice exceeded 10,000 ppbh, critical level for forests, every year since 2003. Potential damage higher Gangwon.