Comment on acid precipitation in historical perspective and effects of acid precipitation
An overview is presented of the history of the problem of acid rain. Lake and stream water are classified as sensitive to acid rain largely on the basis of buffering capacity of soils and geological substrate. Evidence for acid precipitation causing the acidification of lakes and streams on a regional basis is not conclusive. However, soil genesis and forest development can be acidifying processes in humid climates. Acid rain is increasing soil aluminum solubility and leaching to surface water in concentrations toxic to fish. Under natural conditions of podzolization, aluminum is mobilized in surface soils and subsequently retained by spodic subsoils. Whether acid rain appreciably accelerates aluminum leaching from soils is hypothetical. It is concluded from one report that acid precipitation is related to increases in the accumulation and spatial variations of forest floors, soil acidification, exchangeable aluminum, aluminum released from clay, and internal ecosystem H/sup +/ ion production. But, these conclusions are based on limited sampling. 28 references.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- OSTI ID:
- 6685284
- Journal Information:
- Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 17:9
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Natural acidity of waters in podzolized soils and potential impacts from acid precipitation
Comment on comment on ''acid precipitation in historical perspective and effects of acid precipitation''
Related Subjects
ACID RAIN
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
ALUMINIUM
LEACHING
LAKES
ACIDIFICATION
SOLS
STREAMS
FISHES
HYDROGEN IONS
SOLUBILITY
TOXICITY
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
DISSOLUTION
ELEMENTS
IONS
METALS
RAIN
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SURFACE WATERS
VERTEBRATES
510200* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
520200 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)