The relative importance of sulfur and nitrogen compounds in the acidification of freshwater

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:7236358

Van Miegroet, H

The acid-base chemistry of streams and lakes is regulated by the amount and composition of atmospheric deposition and by biogeochemical processes in the catchment and within streams and lakes. In this paper the influence of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) compounds will be discussed (a) because they are major constituents of atmospheric deposition that have recently become the focus of critical loads assessments in Europe and North America, and (b) because they are essential nutrients for most biota and cycle naturally through terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In order to evaluate the relative impact of atmospheric inputs on freshwater acidity, it is necessary to clearly define acidification'' and to understand; the mechanisms of change caused or mediated by natural and anthropogenic processes.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 7236358
• Report Number(s): CONF-9209156-1; ON: DE92016899
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ACID RAIN
ACIDIFICATION
ADSORPTION
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
DEPOSITION
FRESH WATER
GEOCHEMISTRY
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROLOGY
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PH VALUE
RAIN
SORPTION
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SURFACE WATERS
WATER
WATER CHEMISTRY
WATERSHEDS