EFFECTS OF ACID-RAIN ON FRESH-WATER ECOSYSTEMS

Acid-vulnerable areas are more numerous and widespread than believed 6 years ago. Lakes and streams in acid-vulnerable areas of northeastern North America have suffered substantial declines in acid-neutralizing capacity, the worst cases resulting in biological damage. Many invertebrates are very sensitive to acidification, with some disappearing at pH values as high as 6. 0. However, the recent rate of acidification of lakes is slower than once predicted, in part of the result of decreases in sulfur oxide emissions. A discussion of some of the processes that have contributed to the acidification of lakes as well as those that have protected acid-sensitive freshwater is presented.