Abstract

Acidification of lakes and rivers is still an environmental concern despite reduced emissions of acidifying compounds. We analysed trends in surface water chemistry of 173 acid-sensitive sites from 12 regions in Europe and North America. In 11 of 12 regions, non-marine sulphate (SO4*) declined significantly between 1990 and 2008 (-15 to -59 %). In contrast, regional and temporal trends in nitrate were smaller and less uniform. In 11 of 12 regions, chemical recovery was demonstrated in the form of positive trends in pH and/or alkalinity and/or acid neutralising capacity (ANC). The positive trends in these indicators of chemical recovery were regionally and temporally less distinct than the decline in SO4* and tended to flatten after 1999. From an ecological perspective, the chemical quality of surface waters in acid-sensitive areas in these regions has clearly improved as a consequence of emission abatement strategies, paving the way for some biological recovery.

Keywords

Acid deposition; Surfacewaters; Trend analysis; Monitoring network; Chemical recovery

Published in

Water, Air, and Soil Pollution
2014, Volume: 225, number: 3, article number: 1880
Publisher: SPRINGER

SLU Authors

• Fölster, Jens

  • Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
SDG3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages


UKÄ Subject classification

Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Oceanography, Hydrology, Water Resources


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-014-1880-6

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/68187