Persistent episodic acidification of streams linked to acid rain effects on soil

Atmospheric Environment
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Abstract

Episodic acidification of streams, identified in the late 1980s as one of the most significant environmental problems caused by acidic deposition, had not been evaluated since the early 1990s despite decreasing levels of acidic deposition over the past decade. This analysis indicates that episodic acidification of streams in upland regions in the northeastern United States persists, and is likely to be much more widespread than chronic acidification. Depletion of exchangeable Ca in the mineral soil has decreased the neutralization capacity of soils and increased the role of the surface organic horizon in the neutralization of acidic soil water during episodes. Increased accumulation of N and S in the forest floor from decades of acidic deposition will delay the recovery of soil base status, and therefore, the elimination of acidic episodes, which is anticipated from decreasing emissions.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Persistent episodic acidification of streams linked to acid rain effects on soil
Series title Atmospheric Environment
DOI 10.1016/S1352-2310(02)00081-X
Volume 36
Issue 10
Year Published 2002
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Atmospheric Environment
First page 1589
Last page 1598
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