Lake sensitivity to acid rain

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985 · EPRI J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5449036

Shurkin, J; Goldstein, R

Research in the Adirondacks suggests that watershed dynamics are the key to a lake's vulnerability to acidification. The Electric Power Research Institute's Integrated Lake-Watershed Acidification Study (ILWAS) produced a computer model that successfully integrated the physical and chemical factors that determine these dynamics. The research required an unprecedented level of awareness of how watersheds work and how rain, soil, forests, and rocks interact. One outcome of the field and laboratory studies was the finding that some soils act as buffers, taking certain ions out of the water, while some added ions. While the ability of the watershed as a whole to neutralize acid is the main determinant of a lake's vulnerability, seasonal changes demonstrate that time is a factor. The model is in demand to test water in other locations and to explore buffering agents. 2 figures.

• OSTI ID: 5449036
• Journal Information: EPRI J.; (United States), Vol. 10:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
LAKES
ACIDIFICATION
SURFACE WATERS
WATERSHEDS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
ACID RAIN
BUFFERS
EPRI
PH VALUE
ROCK MECHANICS
SOIL MECHANICS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
MECHANICS
RAIN
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
510200 - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety