Acidification of Headwater Streams in the New Jersey Pine Barrens

Abstract

Sixteen years of stream pH data indicate acidification of two relatively undisturbed headwater streams of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Average yearly stream pH decreased approximately 0.2 to 0.5 units in the two small streams that have long‐term records. Hydronium ion concentration is correlated with SO4 in the two headwater streams in approximately a 1:1 ratio by equivalents, suggesting that H2SO4 is an important source of the acidity. A decrease in precipitation pH over the period is suggested in the literature and may be responsible for the decreasing stream pH.

Comparison of native ground-water quality with water quality in agricultural and residential areas of Long Island, New York

“…Higher concentrations of sulfate in the upper glacial aquifer could possibly be attributed to increasing concentrations in atmospheric deposition, although no historic data are available to test this hypothesis. Johnson (1979) reported data that support this hypothesis for surface waters in New Jersey, however. Other human-derived sources include fertilizers and septic systems.…”

Stream chemistry in the New Jersey pinelands: The influence of precipitation and watershed disturbance

“…The high sulfate and H + concentrations suggest that much of the stream acidity was derived from mineral acidity, rather than from organic acids, as might be expected considering the dark color of these waters. Acidic deposition is an obvious potential cause of this high mineral acidity [e.g., Johnson, 1979;Hayas et aI., 1984;Johnson et al, 1984]. However, the natural geochemistry of Pine!ands watersheds must also be considered.…”

Geological and hydrochemical sensitivity of the eastern United States to acid precipitation

“…1,23,37,38,41,42,49,57,68,86,91,92,103,104 Studies of the hydrobiological problems caused by acidic precipitation have been primarily qualitative. Biological aspects of the synoptic lake surveys in Sweden,1 Norway,49 Canada,18 and the United States90 have concentrated on changes in presence or absence of fish and in the kinds and numbers of species.…”