Effects of Acid Deposition (Rain) on a Piedmont Aquatic Ecosystem: Acid Inputs, Neutralization, and pH Changes

摘要

The overall objective of the investigation was to make an initial assessment of the significance of acid deposition to lakes in the South Carolina Piedmont and nearby southern Appalachian Mountains and conduct an intensive investigation of a selected watershed (Lake Issaqueena, Pickens County, South Carolina). Amounts and types of acid inputs, storm event changes in streamwater chemistry, the influence of acid deposition on watershed mass balances, and neutralization mechanisms and capacities were considered. Significant dry and wet fall out acid inputs were determined. Neutralization of incoming acid was sufficient to maintain relatively constant pH values in streams and lakes, but increased weathering and fluxes of calcium, magnesium, sodium, aluminum and trace metals out of the watershed were observed and low alkalinities indicated potential sensitivity to acid inputs.