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Title: Acidification and recovery of a spodosol Bs horizon from acidic deposition

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00074a011· OSTI ID:5395841

A laboratory study was conducted to examine acidification and recovery of a Spodosol Bs horizon from acidic deposition in the Bear Brook Watershed (BBW) in central Maine. A mechanical vacuum extractor was used to draw solutions through a soil column at three treatments containing 40, 100, or 160 {mu}mol/L SO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}}. Following 44 days of leaching, all treatments were decreased to the 40 {mu}mol/L SO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}} level to examine recovery from acidification. Acid additions were initially neutralized by release of basic cations and sulfate adsorption. Following attainment of steady-state conditions for basic cations and SO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}} with respect to the soil adsorption complex, Al dissolution was the primary neutralization mechanism. Aqueous Al activities appeared to be regulated by equilibrium with an Al(OH){sub 3} mineral phase. Following decreases in acid loadings, recovery was rapid resulting in retention of basic cations, reversible release of SO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}}, and a marked reduction in the concentrations of soluble Al.

OSTI ID:
5395841
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology; (United States), Vol. 24:4; ISSN 0013-936X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English