Changes in the Chemistry of Small Irish lakes |
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Authors: | Andrew W Burton Julian Aherne |
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Institution: | (1) Environmental and Resource Studies, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, Canada, K9J 7B8 |
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Abstract: | A re-survey of acid-sensitive lakes in Ireland (initial survey 1997) was carried out during spring 2007 (n = 60). Since 1997, atmospheric emissions of sulfur dioxide and deposition of non-marine sulfate (SO4
2−) in Ireland have decreased by ~63 and 36%, respectively. Comparison of water chemistry between surveys showed significant
decreases in the concentration of SO4
2−, non-marine SO4
2−, and non-marine base cations. In concert, alkalinity increased significantly; however, no change was observed in surface
water pH and total aluminum. High inter-annual variability in sea salt inputs and increasing (albeit non-significant) dissolved
organic carbon may have influenced the response of pH and total aluminum (as ~70% is organic aluminum). Despite their location
on the western periphery of Europe, and dominant influence from Atlantic air masses, the repeat survey suggests that the chemistry
of small Irish lakes has shown a significant response to reductions in air pollution driven primarily by the implementation
of the Gothenburg Protocol under the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. |
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Keywords: | Lake chemistry Sulfate Emissions Sea salts Dissolved organic carbon |
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