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Experimental acidification of a stream in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire

Journal Article · · Ecology; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1936765· OSTI ID:6900159
Incident precipitation in the northeastern United States averages about pH 4 as a result of increased pollution from sulfuric and nitric acids. To determine the effect of this increased acidity on the ecology of aquatic ecosystems, dilute concentrations of sulfuric acid were added to Norris Brook, a stream in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, West Thornton, New Hampshire. The stream was maintained at pH 4 from April to September 1977. Stream acidification decreased species diversity, increased representation of community dominants, and decreased the complexity of the food web.
Research Organization:
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY
OSTI ID:
6900159
Journal Information:
Ecology; (United States), Journal Name: Ecology; (United States) Vol. 61:4; ISSN ECOLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English