Acidic deposition: decline in mobilization of toxic aluminium.
The mobilization of aluminium from acidic forest soils is arguably the most ecologically important consequence of acid deposition in the environment because of its adverse effects on soils, forest vegetation and surface water. Here we show that there has been a significant decline in the concentrations of aluminium species in soil solutions at medium-to-high elevations in a northern hardwood forest in the United States in response to decreasing acidic deposition. Streamwater aluminium concentrations have also fallen and, if this rate of recovery persists, will within 10 years no longer pose a threat to fish.
Palmer
Sheila M
SM
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, 220 Hinds Hall, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA. shpalmer@syr.edu
Driscoll
Charles T
CT
D000143:Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D000535:Aluminum / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D001272:Atmosphere / Q000737:chemistry; D004463:Ecology; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009513:New Hampshire; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D014197:Trees / Q000378:metabolism
D000143:Acids; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide; D000535:Aluminum