Effects of acid rain on freshwater ecosystems

Journal Article · Fri Jan 08 00:00:00 EST 1988 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.239.4836.149· OSTI ID:6769831

Schindler, D W

Acid-vulnerable areas are more numerous and widespread than believed 7 years ago. Lakes and streams in acid-vulnerable areas of northeastern North American have suffered substantial declines in acid-neutralizing capacity, the worst cases resulting in biological damage. Many invertebrates are very sensitive to acidification, with some disappearing at pH values as high as 6.0. However, the recent rate of acidification of lakes is slower than once predicted, in part the result of decreases in sulfur oxide emissions. A discussion of some of the processes that have contributed to the acidification of lakes as well as those that have protected acid-sensitive fresh waters is presented.

• Research Organization: Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans, Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)
• OSTI ID: 6769831
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Vol. 239
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACID RAIN
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
LAKES
ACIDIFICATION
STREAMS
SULFUR OXIDES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
PH VALUE
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CHALCOGENIDES
ECOSYSTEMS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RAIN
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SURFACE WATERS
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)