Critical loads of acidity for surface waters in south-central Ontario, Canada: regional application of the first-order acidity balance (FAB) model
Major sulphur emission control programs have been implemented in North America, resulting in current emissions being ∼30% less than those in 1980. However, the level of acidic deposition remaining is still unlikely to promote widespread recovery of aquatic ecosystems.
The First-order Acidity Balance (FAB) model has been applied to south-central ontario (285 lakes in the Muskoka River Catchment) to evaluate the need for further reductions in emissions. As a result of the past decline in deposition, the proportion of lakes with critical loads exceedance has dropped substantially; however, further reductions in sulphur and nitrogen emissions are required to eliminate critical loads exceedance. Based on bulk deposition of sulphate and nitrogen (41.1 mmolc m−2 yr−1 and 62.5 mmolc m-2 yr−1, respectively) for the period 1995–1999, 166 lakes (58.3%) exceed critical loads. Even with full implementation of SO2 abatement programs in Canada (achieved in 1994) and the United States (legislated for 2010), critical loads will be exceeded in a large proportion (46.6%) of the study lakes
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Specifications
- Publication title
- Critical loads of acidity for surface waters in south-central Ontario, Canada: regional application of the first-order acidity balance (FAB) model
- Publication date
- 7 April 2004
- Publication type
- Publication
- Magazine
- Water Air Soil Pollut: Focus 2004; 4:25-36
- Product number
- 91217