Red herring in acid rain research

Journal Article · Fri Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00124a713· OSTI ID:6469503

Havas, M; Hutchinson, T C; Likens, G E

Five common misconceptions, red herrings, regarding the effects of acid deposition on aquatic ecosystems are described in an attempt to clarify some of the confusion they have created. These misconceptions are the following: Bog lakes have been acidic for thousands of years; thus the acidification of lakes is not a recent phenomenon. The early methods for measuring pH are in error; therfore, no statements can be made regarding historical trends. Acidification of lakes and streams results from changed land use practices (forestry, agriculture, animal husbandry) and not acid deposition. The decrease in fish populations is caused by overfishing, disease, and water pollution, not acidification. Because lakes that receive identical rainfall can have considerable different pHs, regional lake acidification cannot be due to acid precipitation. It is easy to suggest a whole series of alternative, and often unlikely, explanations of the causes and consequences of acid deposition. These keep scientists busy for years assembling and examining data only to conclude that the explanation is not valid. These tactics cause, and perhaps are designed to cause, continuous delay in remedial action. They fail to take into account the large body of information that deals with the sources of the acid deposition and the seriousness of its effects.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Toronto, Ontario
• OSTI ID: 6469503
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 18:6; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACID RAIN
ACIDIFICATION
AGRICULTURE
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
DATA
DOCUMENT TYPES
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FISHES
FORESTRY
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
INDUSTRY
INFORMATION
LAKES
LAND USE
MEASURING METHODS
NUMERICAL DATA
PH VALUE
POPULATION DYNAMICS
RAIN
REVIEWS
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
VERTEBRATES
WETLANDS