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Title: The relative importance of sulfur and nitrogen compounds in the acidification of freshwater

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7236358

The acid-base chemistry of streams and lakes is regulated by the amount and composition of atmospheric deposition and by biogeochemical processes in the catchment and within streams and lakes. In this paper the influence of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) compounds will be discussed (a) because they are major constituents of atmospheric deposition that have recently become the focus of critical loads assessments in Europe and North America, and (b) because they are essential nutrients for most biota and cycle naturally through terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In order to evaluate the relative impact of atmospheric inputs on freshwater acidity, it is necessary to clearly define acidification'' and to understand; the mechanisms of change caused or mediated by natural and anthropogenic processes.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
7236358
Report Number(s):
CONF-9209156-1; ON: DE92016899
Resource Relation:
Conference: Dahlem workshop on acidification of freshwater ecosystems, Berlin (Germany), 27 Sep - 2 Oct 1992
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English