Current research on the effects of acid deposition

Preliminary research aimed at quantifying relationships between emissions and acid deposition and on-the-ground effects indicates that small water supplies fed by surface waters or shallow wells and cistern supplies may be adversely affected by acid deposition. In addition, acid deposition makes water more corrosive, which may result in dangerous quantities of heavy metals in distribution systems. This will not be a problem with relatively hard water or with relatively large supplies, and corrosivity should be treatable at reasonable cost. Toxic metals and trace organics have been implicated in damage to plants and animals in several different ecosystems. Gases such as sulfur dioxide not only cause significant damage to plants and materials; they also serve as precursors for acid rain. Thus the term 'acid deposition' is now used in place of 'acid rain'; a more appropriate term is probably 'atmospheric deposition' if all aspects of concern are to be adequately described.