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Comparing and assessing acid rain-sensitive ponds
W G Hagar1, B A Crosby, B W Stallsmith
1Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA. william.hagar@umb.edu
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|April 27, 2000
Summary
Acidic precipitation significantly lowered the pH of Maquan Pond, a sensitive freshwater ecosystem. Furnace Pond, with higher alkalinity, showed resilience to acid rain events.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Limnology
- Ecology
Background:
- Freshwater pond ecosystems are susceptible to environmental changes.
- Acid precipitation poses a threat to aquatic life and water quality.
- Understanding pond pH dynamics is crucial for ecological health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To continuously monitor and compare pH and temperature changes in two Massachusetts freshwater ponds.
- To assess the differential sensitivity of Maquan Pond and Furnace Pond to acid precipitation.
- To investigate the impact of environmental factors on pond water chemistry and planktonic distribution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a remote-sensing system for continuous data collection from 1990-1993.
- Employed a pH meter with a combination electrode and a portable computer for data logging.
- Recorded pH and temperature data every 10 minutes.
Main Results:
- Maquan Pond (avg. pH 6.0, alkalinity 7.4 mg/L) showed significant pH drops to as low as 4.0 during acidic precipitation events.
- Furnace Pond (avg. pH 6.9, alkalinity 14.9 mg/L) demonstrated resilience, with precipitation not altering its pH.
- Both ponds exhibited seasonal and diel pH variations linked to biological activity, and Maquan Pond showed altered planktonic distribution.
Conclusions:
- Maquan Pond is highly sensitive to acid precipitation, experiencing drastic pH fluctuations.
- Furnace Pond's higher alkalinity provides buffering capacity against acidic inputs.
- Differential sensitivity impacts aquatic ecosystems, influencing plankton communities and overall pond health.