 |
|
Recovery from acid rain 'much slower than expected'
September 28, 2007Cardiff University research shows environment still affected by '80s pollution
Acid rain was one of the world's worst pollution problems of the 1970s and 1980s, affecting large areas of upland Britain, as well as Europe and North America.
In Wales, more than 12,000 km of streams and rivers have been acidified, harming fish, stream insects and river birds such as the dipper.
Over the last 20 years, action has been taken across Europe to clean up acid pollutants from power generation and industry, which was widely expected to bring recovery. However, new research led by Cardiff University's School of Biosciences shows that the expected improvements in rivers are far short of expectations.
Recent studies in Galloway, the Scottish Highlands and Wales reveal that many streams are still highly acidified. Biological recovery has been particularly poor.
Key findings from the projects, carried out by combined teams from Cardiff University, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and National Museum Wales, include:
* Acidity in Welsh headwaters is declining, but only slowly
* More than two thirds of all streams sampled were acid enough during high flow to cause biological damage, with metals at toxic concentrations
* Sulphur pollution from man-made sources is still an important cause of acid episodes, particularly in Wales
* Sensitive insects survive conditions in the most acid streams for only a few days
* Headwater acidification is still a significant problem for important salmon fisheries, and Special Areas of Conservation such as the Welsh River Wye.
Professor Steve Ormerod of the School of Biosciences, a leading researcher into the biological effects of acid rain for more than 20 years, said: "Organisms and ecosystems are the best indicators of recovery from pollution, so these results will alarm anyone interested in the well-being of our rivers. We need to understand the factors responsible for such delayed recovery, particularly since climate change is likely to make the acidification problem even worse."
Dr Chris Evans, an acid-rain specialist from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in Bangor, added "Pollution reductions are slowly improving in upland waters, but there is a long way to go. The large biological effects of acid episodes shown by this work mean that it is vital to continue monitoring these ecosystems if we are to protect them in future."
The research contrasts with other recent studies which showed some encouraging early signs and will come as disappointing news to those who thought the acid rain problem was solved.
Cardiff University
Over the last 20 years, action has been taken across Europe to clean up acid pollutants from power generation and industry, which was widely expected to bring recovery. However, new research led by Cardiff University's School of Biosciences shows that the expected improvements in rivers are far short of expectations.
Recent studies in Galloway, the Scottish Highlands and Wales reveal that many streams are still highly acidified. Biological recovery has been particularly poor.
Key findings from the projects, carried out by combined teams from Cardiff University, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and National Museum Wales, include:
* Acidity in Welsh headwaters is declining, but only slowly
* More than two thirds of all streams sampled were acid enough during high flow to cause biological damage, with metals at toxic concentrations
* Sulphur pollution from man-made sources is still an important cause of acid episodes, particularly in Wales
* Sensitive insects survive conditions in the most acid streams for only a few days
* Headwater acidification is still a significant problem for important salmon fisheries, and Special Areas of Conservation such as the Welsh River Wye.
Professor Steve Ormerod of the School of Biosciences, a leading researcher into the biological effects of acid rain for more than 20 years, said: "Organisms and ecosystems are the best indicators of recovery from pollution, so these results will alarm anyone interested in the well-being of our rivers. We need to understand the factors responsible for such delayed recovery, particularly since climate change is likely to make the acidification problem even worse."
Dr Chris Evans, an acid-rain specialist from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in Bangor, added "Pollution reductions are slowly improving in upland waters, but there is a long way to go. The large biological effects of acid episodes shown by this work mean that it is vital to continue monitoring these ecosystems if we are to protect them in future."
The research contrasts with other recent studies which showed some encouraging early signs and will come as disappointing news to those who thought the acid rain problem was solved.
Cardiff University
Acid Rain Current Events and Acid Rain News RSSInteractions with aerosols boost warming potential of some gases
For decades, climate scientists have worked to identify and measure key substances -- notably greenhouse gases and aerosol particles -- that affect Earth's climate.
Volcanoes played pivotal role in ancient ice age, mass extinction
Researchers here have discovered the pivotal role that volcanoes played in a deadly ice age 450 million years ago. Perhaps ironically, these volcanoes first caused global warming -- by releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. When they stopped erupting, Earth's climate was thrown off balance, and the ice age began.
Improving China's acid rain control strategy
Scientists are reporting the first evidence that China's sharp focus on reducing widespread damage to soil by acid rain by restricting sulfur dioxide air pollution may have an unexpected consequence: Gains from that pollution control program will be largely offset by increases in nitrogen emissions, which the country's current policy largely overlooks.
Portable and precise gas sensor could monitor pollution and detect disease
In the air, it is a serious pollutant. In the body, it plays a role in heart rate, blood flow, nerve signals and immune function.
The Sky Is Not Falling: Pollution in eastern China cuts light, useful rainfall
New research shows that air pollution in eastern China has reduced the amount of light rainfall over the past 50 years and decreased by 23 percent the number of days of light rain in the eastern half of the country.
Earth's biogeochemical cycles, once in concert, falling out of sync
What do the Gulf of Mexico's "dead zone," global climate change, and acid rain have in common? They're all a result of human impacts to Earth's biology, chemistry and geology, and the natural cycles that involve all three.
Nitrous gases and zinc in the crosshairs
The Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area established by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) has issued the MAK and BAT Values List for 2009. This year's list contains 62 changes and new entries.
Ancient volcanic eruptions caused global mass extinction
A previously unknown giant volcanic eruption that led to global mass extinction 260million years ago has been uncovered by scientists at the University of Leeds.
1 sponge-like material, 3 different applications
A new sponge-like material that is black, brittle and freeze-dried (just like the ice cream astronauts eat) can pull off some pretty impressive feats.
Princeton geoscientist offers new evidence that meteorite did not wipe out dinosaurs
A Princeton University geoscientist who has stirred controversy with her studies challenging a popular theory that an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs has compiled powerful new evidence asserting her position.
More Acid Rain Current Events and Acid Rain News Articles
 |
Our Environment - Acid Rain by Peggy J. Parks (Author) In the 1980s scientists made a frightening discovery-forests, lakes, and rivers all over the world were dying at an alarming rate. Then they found the reason: acid rain. For decades, the burning of fossil fuels had built up nitrogen and sulphur oxides in the atmosphere. When these gases joined with water vapor, the result was deadly acid rain. This book explains what acid rain is, what causes it, the damage it has done, and measures being taken to stop it. |
 |
Acid Rain Starring: Grails Directed By: Grails Following up their widely acclaimed "Doomsdayer's Holiday", Grails unleash their first DVD, packaged in a 6-panel digipak. Centered around a half dozen mind-altering music videos from their last few albums, "Acid Rain" also features nearly two hours of live shows from the past several years. Packed with bonus material, "Acid Rain" is as bizarre, eclectic, and otherworldy as their albums. RIYL: Led Zeppelin, Earth, Pink Floyd, Om, Neurosis, Boris, Sun Ra, Morricone. |
 |
Acid Rain (Earth SOS) by Sally Morgan (Author), Jenny Vaughan (Author) Explores various concerns about environmental issues. |
 |
Environmental Science Box Kit: Acid Rain by Tedco Learn to protect planet Earth with this environmental box kit. Anyone can perform simple experiments and learn about acid rain. Kit provides an introduction to acid rain, explains the causes and suggests ways to help reduce this type of pollution. Ein-O's I Know Guide included along beakers, cotton wool, paper filter, pH paper, sample containers, sticky labels, funnel and vinegar, Box size: 4 x 5 inches |
 |
Acid Rain by Esham For over ten years, Esham has been synonymous with underground hardcore rap in Detroit, influencing an entire school of rappers that came to be known as "horrorcore". The most significant of these groups, Insane Clown Posse, founded Psychopathic Records ten years ago, a label dedicated to putting out the most hardcore rap in the business. Now, the two powerhouses of the underground have joined forces to present "Acid Rain", a greatest hits collection from the man who started it all. With beats hard enough to raise the dead and lyrics straight from the underworld, this album is sure to be judged as the greatest collection of hits ever from this master of horror. "Acid Rain" will also feature four new tracks produced specifically for this album, including cuts with label-mates Insane... |
 |
Acid Rain (Our Planet Peril) by Louise Petheram (Author) Our Planet in Peril presents the truth behind major environmental issues. The series gives the facts and figures, explains the real situation and describes some practical solutions. The main text is supplemented by photographs, maps and diagrams to explain all the issues involved, while 'Science in action' panels offer simple experiments which allow children to see the science in a practical context, and 'How you can help' panels suggest ways in which ordinary people can make a real difference. Endmatter includes a glossary and index, and page of useful websites for further information. |
 |
Acid Rain Liquid Tension Experiment (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Acid Rain, 125 ml by AmericanSpice.com A blending of some of the hottest peppers. Habanero, Piquin, Peri-Peri, Tepin and Jalapeno Peppers, Lime and Orange Juices. |
|
Liquid Blue Acid Rain Skull Tee Shirt (XL) by Liquid Blue There is no finer T Shirt from Award Winning Designs to long lasting colors and fabrics. Liquid blue Tees are Pre-shrunk 100% Cotton | |
 |
Diesel Toddler/Little Kid Rainboot Hadad Rain Boot,Olive/Acid Green,11 M US Little Kid by Diesel These darling dino rain boots will keep the little guy dry and cute while splashing in the puddles! Item #134269 |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |