The importance of natural processes in understanding ecosystem change: A case study of limed lakes

Journal Article · Fri Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/10473289.1990.10466728· OSTI ID:6533859

Krug, E C ^[1]; Lefohn, A S ^[2]

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1. Illinois State Water Survey, Champaign (USA)
2. A.S.L. and Associates, Helena, MT (USA)

In order to determine what effects human activities have on natural processes, it is important to thoroughly understand those processes. Unfortunately, the authors know little about what natural processes are operating, and even less about how they have functioned historically. This paper discusses the importance of natural processes in affecting surface water acidification and the necessity for developing quantitative estimates of natural, as well as anthropogenic, contributions to the acidification of surface waters. A review of the literature and the analysis of chemistry data from six limed lakes in New York and Massachusetts have identified a number of possible processes that may play important roles in acidifying surface waters. At present, these processes are poorly understood and require further research. Once they have such knowledge, they will be able to clearly see the effects of human activities on natural processes and modify those activities in ways that will mitigate negative impact in a predictable manner.

• OSTI ID: 6533859
• Journal Information: Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association; (USA), Vol. 40:6; ISSN 1047-3289
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
SURFACE WATERS
ACIDIFICATION
ECOSYSTEMS
LAKES
LIMING
MASSACHUSETTS
NEW YORK
REVIEWS
DOCUMENT TYPES
FEDERAL REGION I
FEDERAL REGION II
NORTH AMERICA
USA
540320* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
010900 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Environmental Aspects