Effects of acidic precipitation on Precambrian freshwaters in southern Ontario

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0380-1330(79)72126-5· OSTI ID:5933839

Scheider, W A; Jeffries, D S; Dillon, P J

The pH of precipitation falling on the Precambrian Shield of south-central Ontario averages 4.0 to 4.2, as low or lower than that of precipitation in areas of the world with recognized problems of acidification of freshwaters. The area is underlain by non-calcareous bedrock of low solubility with a thin glacial overburden, and consequently many lakes have low buffering capacities. Some lakes and streams have had their pH's reduced, by acidic precipitation, especially during spring runoff and after storm events. The pH of some lakes is 5.0 to 5.5, a level at which the reproductive success of certain fish species is impaired. Walleye of the same length show higher Hg levels in low alkalinity (< 300 ..mu..eq/L) waters compared to higher alkalinity waters.

• Research Organization: Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Rexdale, Ontario
• OSTI ID: 5933839
• Journal Information: J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States) Vol. 5:1; ISSN JGLRD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
ALUMINIUM
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BUFFERS
CANADA
CHARGED PARTICLES
CHEMISTRY
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
FISHES
FRESH WATER
GEOCHEMISTRY
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROGEN IONS
IONS
LAKES
MANGANESE
MERCURY
METALS
NORTH AMERICA
ONTARIO
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
PRECIPITATION SCAVENGING
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SURFACE WATERS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
VERTEBRATES
WASHOUT
WATER
WATER POLLUTION