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U.S. Department of Energy
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Acid-rain related reconnaissance of water, rock, soil, and sediment chemistry in the Adirondacks during Fall, 1981

Book ·
OSTI ID:5484597
This study suggests strongly that inorganic chemical processes, with sulfate and nitrate input from atmospheric deposition and the absence of buffering from carbonate rock, cannot simply account for either the pH or the aluminum concentrations observed in Adirondack surface waters. Instead, organic acids originating from water flow through organic soil layers and wetlands are indicated as possible causes of increased acidity and aluminum concentrations. There are also indications that sulfides in bedrock and the sulfur utilized by vegetation may be important surface-water sulfate sources. Further, in part of the Adirondacks, weathering of calcium-containing non-carbonate aluminosilicate bedrock apparently keeps surface water from reaching ''critical'' acidity levels. Also, appreciable concentrations of heavy metals and persistent insecticides associated with the organic material in some soils and sediments. If mobilized into the food chain, these materials could be causing adverse ecological effects usually attributed to acid precipitation. Recommendations are included for further studies. 13 figs., 29 tabs. (PSB)
Research Organization:
American Petroleum Inst., Washington, DC
OSTI ID:
5484597
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English