Acidic precipitation and lake acidification

Book · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:5664335

Brown, Jr, W E

This research paper investigated 1) the history of the acidic precipitation problem in the United States, 2) the chemistry, characteristics and causes of acidic precipitation, and 3) the effects of lake acidification with emphasis on the factors which render a lake susceptible to acidification by acidic precipitation. It appears precipitation in the eastern United States has been acidic since the mid-1950's and the extent and severity have been increasing subsequently. Acidic precipitation is precipitation with pH less than 5.65. Acidic precipitation is mainly due to SO/sub 2/ and No/sub x/ emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels. Lake acidification results in shifts in species, populations and communities. All trophic levels are affected. Energy flow and nutrient cycling are reduced and as a result, the number of organisms that can exist in the system is reduced. Lake sensitivity to acidification is, in order of importance, a function of geology, pedology, meterology and watershed characteristics. The highly resistant igneous rocks are the most sensitive to acidification. Sensitive soils are those which have little or no cation exchange capacity and no free carbonates. The only practical long-term solution to lake acidification is to curb the SO/sub 2/ and NO/sub x/ emissions.

• OSTI ID: 5664335
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
520200 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACID RAIN
ACIDIFICATION
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION
CHEMISTRY
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
LAKES
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION SOURCES
RAIN
SURFACE WATERS
USA