Evaluation of trends in the acidity of precipitation and the related acidification of surface water in North America

Technical Report · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:6531441

Turk, J T

The acidity of precipitation in the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada has increased in the past, probably as a result of anthropogenic emissions. The increase in New England and New York occurred primarily before the mid-1950's. Since the mid-1960's, there has been no significant change in the acidity of precipitation in this region; however, sulfate concentrations have decreased and nitrate concentrations may have increased. The time of initial acidification in Southeastern Canada is not known because of a lack of historical data. In the Southeastern United States, the evaluation of whether precipitation has been acidified is complicated by meager data. The available data show that precipitation is more acidic than would be expected for sites unaffected by anthropogenic emissions. In addition, comparison of recent data with the meager historical data suggests, but does not unambiguously prove, increased acidification since the 1950's. In the Western United States, available data indicate that precipitation at individual sites has been acidified by anthropogenic emissions. The acidification generally has been attributable to localized sources, and the time of initial acidification is undefined. 72 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Lakewood, CO (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6531441
• Report Number(s): USGS-WSP-2249; ON: TI86900261
• 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
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
RAIN
SURFACE WATERS
VARIATIONS