Recent trends in the acid-base status of surface waters in Maine, USA
Data from the EPA Long Term Monitoring Program lakes at the Tunk Mtn Watershed, Maine indicate that decreases of < or - 1 micro eq per L per yr in SO4 and increases of < or - 2 micro eq per L per yr in ANC occurred in the 1980s. The sum of base cations also increased. These changes in aquatic chemistry were coincident with decreased concentrations of all solutes in precipitation during the 1980s. Paleolimnologic studies indicate that decreases of 0.1 to 0.5 pH units occurred in a few small mountain lakes during the past 20 to 70 years. However, no ongoing acidification of lakes is indicated based on available data. Only lakes that were already at least marginally acidic appear to have acidified.
- Research Organization:
- Maine Univ., Orono, ME (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 6874014
- Report Number(s):
- PB-95-137261/XAB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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