United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Acid Deposition,
Environmental Monitoring and
Quality Assurance
Washington DC 20460
EPA/600/M-89/022
September 1989
Research and Development
xvEPA AERP
^l£^/!r
The Aquatic Effects Research Program (AERP) status provides information on AERF
projects dealing with the effects of acidic deposition on U.S. surface waters.
Our objectives are to:
assist organizations involved in acidic deposition research to avoid duplication
of efforts and to make maximum use of related research,
promote communication among the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
state agencies, and organizations involved in acidic deposition monitoring
activities, and
provide a mechanism to distribute available AERP information.
AQUATIC EFFECTS RESEARCH PROGRAM. AN OVERVIEW
In 1980, Congress passed the Acid Precipitation Act, thus establishing the
Interagency Task Force on Acid Precipitation. Given a 10-year mandate, the Task
Force implemented the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP) to
investigate the causes and effects of acidic deposition. NAPAP includes task groups
formed to study emissions and controls, atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric
transport, atmospheric deposition and air quality, terrestrial effects, effects on
materials and cultural resources, and aquatic effects.
The AERP, formed in 1983 as part of the NAPAP Aquatic Effects Task Group, is
responsible for assessing the effects of acidic deposition on aquatic ecosystems.
Already, published AERP reports have described the chemical characteristics of lake
and stream resources in regions of the United States potentially sensitive to acidic
deposition. Complementing these findings, a report summarizing correlative
relationships between watershed and surface water chemical characteristics and
projecting future conditions for two deposition scenarios in the Northeast and two in
the Southern Blue Ridge Province will be published by the fall of 1989. (For a
complete list of published AERP documents, see the mail order form attached to this
status.) Current AERP field efforts focus primarily on watershed process studies
and manipulations.
By 1990, the end of the 10-year mandate, Congress requires NAPAP to provide a full
assessment of the acidic deposition phenomenon. An important aspect of current
AERP efforts involves synthesizing results from past and current research to
describe the state of science for acidic deposition effects on aquatic systems.
Another aspect involves integrating the state of science information with illustrative
emission control scenarios to provide an assessment useful for policy decisions
concerning alternative control strategies. A group of AERP scientists is now working
on this task, which will provide valuable aquatic information for the NAPAP reports to
Congress. A summary of these activities can be found on page 8.
Status of AERP Activities-This issue of the status includes sections that provide
information about recently published AERP materials and projects in progress.
Table 1 summarizes the present status of projects within the AERP.
-------
AERP status
Project
National Surface Water Survey
National Lake Survey, Phase I (East and West)
National Lake Survey, Phase II (Northeast)
National Stream Survey, Phase I
Direct/Delayed Response Project
Northeast and Southern Blue Ridge Province Soil Survey
Mid-Appalachian Soil Survey
Watershed Processes and Manipulations
Watershed Manipulation Project
Watershed Recovery Project
Little Rock Lake Experimental Acidification Project
Episodic Response Project
Episodes
Regional Episodic and Acidic Manipulations Project
Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems
Biologically Relevant Chemistry
Indirect Human Health Effects
Design
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Ongoing
Complete
Complete
Ongoing
Ongoing
Complete
Implementation
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
1983
Fall 1988
Ongoing
1991
Ongoing
Complete
Reporting
Complete
1990
Complete
Fall 1989
Fall 1990
Fall 1989
Fall 1990
Annually
1990/1991
Summer 1990
Annually*
Winter 1988-89
Fall 1990
*See last paragraph in Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems (TIME) project article, page 8.
Table 1. Present status and projected dates for stages of major AERP projects.
AERP FEATURE ARTICLE
Summary of Mercury Levels In Fish In the National
Surface Water Survey (NSWS) Subregion 2B
(Upper Peninsula of Michigan)
The accumulation of mercury in fish and the human
health effects of eating mercury-contaminated fish
have been well documented. Elevated mercury
concentrations in fish from dilute, tow-pH lakes have
only recently been associated with increased lake
acidity. There now is ample evidence to document
that mercury is found in fish from lakes in remote
regions of the world with no known current point
sources of mercury and that fish mercury content is
apparently linked to lake pH.
Forty-nine drainage and seepage lakes in the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan (NSWS Subregion 2B) were
sampled in conjunction with Phase II of the EPA
Eastern Lake Survey to explore the relationship
between chemical and physical characteristics of
lakes and mercury concentrations in fish tissue. The
lakes were selected using a stratified random design
weighted for low pH so that acidification effects on
mercury accumulation could be statistically evaluated
and extrapolated to the entire population of lakes in
this region. By coupling this study to the EPA Eastern
Lake Survey Phase I and Phase II (ELS-I and ELS-II),
it was possible to examine the role of chemical and
physical lake variables as related to the assimilation
of mercury by fish. Both game fish and other
nongame species were the targets for this regional
research effort. Specific objectives of this study were
to:
1. archive tissue samples for representative ages
of fish species collected during Phase II of the
EPA Eastern Lake Survey;
2. measure total mercury concentrations in
selected fish samples;
3. identify by using statistical and deterministic
approaches the relationships between fish
-------
AERP status
tissue mercury concentrations and water quality
and lake-watershed characteristics; and
4. estimate the number and percentage of lakes in
the region that have game fish with mercury
concentrations exceeding human health
guidelines.
Although the numbers of fish analyzed differed for
each species and each age class, a general trend of
increasing mean mercury concentration as a function
of age was evident for all species. This trend was
also evident in the proportion of samples that
exceeded various health criteria (0.5 ppm for World
Health Organization and many states, 1.0 ppm for U.S.
Food and Drug Administration). For example, 7.5
percent of the age-4 yellow perch sampled had
mercury concentrations greater than 0.5 ppm, while
26.2 percent of the age-7 yellow perch sampled had
concentrations greater than this value. Overall,
mercury concentrations in a large proportion of the
sampled yellow perch, northern pike, and largemouth
bass exceeded the Michigan health advisory criterion
(0.5 ppm). For thirty-three percent of the northern
pike samples and 26 percent of the largemouth bass
samples the concentrations exceeded 0.5 ppm.
It is apparent from these results that the
concentrations of mercury in a high percentage of
sampled game fish, which are the species most likely
to be consumed by humans, exceed various health
guidelines. The perception of the severity and extent
of mercury contamination depends upon whether the
1.0 ppm or 0.5 ppm standard for mercury is used.
Because of the study design, the data collected on
fish mercury concentrations for the 49 ELS-II lakes
can be extrapolated to estimate fish mercury
characteristics for Subregion 2B as a whole. This
study provides regional estimates for the total number
and area of lakes in a defined target population of
lakes for which fish mercury levels are expected to
exceed 0.5 and 1.0 ppm. Nearly 54 percent of all lakes
in this subregion (nearly 82 percent of the surface
area) is estimated to have one or more fish (sport
fish and others) exceeding the 0.5 ppm mercury health
advisory. Over 18 percent of all lakes would have one
or more fish exceeding 1.0 ppm mercury. Game fish
other than yellow perch (walleye, northern pike, and
largemouth bass) are estimated to have at least one
fish with mercury concentrations exceeding the 1.0
ppm limit in 58 percent of the 457 lakes in which they
occur.
Many statistical relationships have been shown to
exist between fish mercury concentrations and water
0.6
I
a
£0.5
c
o
0.0
a Seepage Lakes, DOC < 4.2
Seepage Lakes, DOC >4.2
Drainage Lakes
678
Lake Water Field pH
Figure 1. Relationship between lake pH and total mercury concen-
tration for age 2-4 yellow perch in 27 Eastern Lake
Survey-Phase II (ELS-II) lakes. [The dissolved organic
carbon (DOC) value of 4.2 mg/L is the mean value for
all seepage lakes.]
chemistry variables. For this study, the relationships
between lake pH and total mercury concentration for
age 2-4 yellow perch in the 27 ELS-II lakes in which
they were captured are shown in Figure 1. Points are
coded by hydrologic lake type (seepage or drainage)
and by dissolved organic carbon (DOC) classes for
seepage lakes. Seepage lakes generally have lower
pH values than drainage lakes due to the minimal
watershed contributions of acid buffering materials
such as base cations. Moreover, some studies have
concluded that elevated DOC levels tend to complex
forms of dissolved mercury making them unavailable
for fish uptake. In this study there is a tendency for
seepage lakes with low DOC (£4.2 mg/L) to contain
fish with relatively high mercury concentrations (Figure
1). However, there is no basis in this survey study
from which to imply strict causal mechanisms
between acidic deposition and fish mercury content.
The variables most consistently related to the mercury
concentrations found in fish were total length, weight,
and age. Of secondary importance were variables
related to lake acidity status. Figure 2 shows a plot
of mercury concentration in yellow perch plotted
against pH and total length (Length). In general, the
highest mercury concentrations were from long fish in
low pH waters; yet some fish with mercury
concentrations in excess of 0.5 ppm were found in the
highest pH class.
-------
AERP status
YELLOW PERCH - ALL AGES AND ALL LAKES
2.36
8.03
Length
Plot of individual yellow perch mercury concentrations
(Hg ppm) as a function of lake pH (pH) and total
length (Length).
The principal benefits from this study have been to
establish a quantitative baseline for mercury
concentration in fish in a subregion surveyed in the
ELS and to suggest some possible relationships that
may warrant further investigation as to the possible
cause and effect relationships of mercury
accumulation in fish.
Additional research needed to reduce the current
uncertainty about the quantitative relationships
between acidic deposition, bioaccumulation of mercury
in fish, and human health risks includes: (1)
systematic surveys designed to identify the extent and
levels of mercury bioaccumulation in fish taken from
lakes in regions potentially affected by acidic
deposition; (2) studies to identify and quantify the
factors affecting bioaccumulation; and (3) studies to
quantify the consumption by humans of fish from
waters with low acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) and
the demography of angler populations.
For further information about this project, address
inquiries to:
Dixon H. Landers
AERP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 423
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 423
CURRENT AERP ACTIVITIES
The following summaries describe the status of acidic
deposition research projects currently in progress.
Direct/Delayed Response Project (DDRP)
Data from DDRP study watersheds in the Northeast
(NE) and Southern Blue Ridge Province (SBRP) (see
April 1989 status) have been analyzed on three levels.
Level I Analyses include examination of statistical
associations among atmospheric deposition,
watershed characteristics, and surface water
chemistry. Level II Analyses consider estimates of
the time required for key watershed characteristics to
reach critical levels. Level III Analyses use three
dynamic, integrated watershed models to project
future responses to acidic deposition under scenarios
(two for each region) of long-term sulfur deposition
(Figure 3).
V)
o
'SZ
CO
c
0)
o
c
o
j-p
'35
o
a
a>
O
1
X
X
X
X
f ' Current
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
1 |
SBRP + 20%
(Base Case)
NE - 30%
1 ' 1 '
-1.4
-1 3
-1.1
1 0
-0.9
-08
-06
(f,
10
30
20
Time (yr)
40
50
Figure 3. Sulfur deposition scenarios for the Northeast (NE) and
Southern Blue Ridge Province (SBRP) for Level II and
Level III Analyses. Ratio of total sulfur deposition at
time t fSJ to current total sulfur deposition (SJ.
-------
AERP status
Briefly, Level I statistical analyses indicate that the
processes represented within the Level II and Level
III models appear to be the most important with
regard to explaining current relationships among
deposition, watershed factors, and surface water
chemistry. Results from the simplified single-factor
Level II models support projections made with the
more integrated Level III watershed models.
Projections using one of the Level III models [the
Model of Acidification of Groundwater In Catchments
(MAGIC)] of changes in median ANC of surface
waters (lakes in the NE, stream reaches in the SBRP)
are given in tables 2 and 3. Projections of the three
watershed models are highly comparable.
Time from
Present
(years)
0
20
50
Number
Constant Deposition
ANC <0 ANC <50
162^ 880*>
5% 27%
161 (134) 648 (246)
5% (4%) 20% (8%)
186 (143) 648 (246)
5% (4%) 20% (8%)
of Lakes*
Decreased
ANC<0
162^
5%
136 (124)
4% (4%)
87 (100)
3% (3%)
Deposition
ANC <50
880*
27%
621 (242)
19% (18%)
586 (237)
18% (7%)
a% is percent of the target population of 3,227 lakes; ()
indicates 95 percent confidence estimates.
" Indicates estimate from NSWS Phase I sample for the same
123 lakes; target population - 3,227 lakes
c Projections are based on 123 lake/watersheds successfully
calibrated by MAGIC.
Figure 3 for definition of the deposition scenarios used.
Lakes In the Northeast Projected to have Acid
Neutralizing Capacity (ANC) Values <0 and <50/ueq/L
for Constant and Decreased Sulfur Deposition c-d
Table 2.
Model projections indicate a mixed response of
northeastern lake systems at current levels of sulfur
deposition. Slight decreases in median ANCs are
projected for all ANC groups, along with a slight
increase in the number of systems with ANC <0
jueq/L The number of systems having ANC <50
/jeq/L, however, is projected to decrease. Projected
responses to decreased sulfur deposition show a
clearer pattern; MAGIC projects surface water ANCs
to increase and the number of lakes with ANC <0
peq/L and ANC <50 peq/L to decrease. Such a
response would be consistent qualitatively with
reported changes in the chemistry of lakes near
Sudbury, Ontario, following reductions of sulfur dioxide
emissions from the Sudbury smelter.
Time from Number of Stream Reaches*
Present
(years)
0
20
50
Constant Deposition
ANC <0 ANC <50
0*
0%
0
0%
129 (195)
10% (15%)
3"
0.2%
187 (228)
14% (17%)
203 (236)
15% (18%)
Increased
ANC<0
0*
0%
0
0%
159 (213)
12% (16%)
Deposition
ANC<50
36
0.2%
187 (228)
14% (17%)
340 (286)
26% (2259
Table 3.
*% is percent of the target population of 1,323 stream reaches;
0 indicates 95 percent confidence estimates.
* Indicates estimate from NSWS Phase I Pilot Stream Survey
sample for the same 30 streams; target population - 1,323
stream reaches.
c Projections are based on 30 stream/watersheds successfully
calibrated by MAGIC.
Figure 3 for definition of the deposition scenarios used.
Southern Blue Ridge Province Stream Reaches Projected
to have Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC) Values <0 anc
<5O fjeq/L for Constant and Increased Sulfur
Deposition c>d
Model projections for the SBRP stream reaches
indicate decreasing ANC and increasing sulfate under
scenarios of either current or increased sulfur
deposition. Due to the fact that soils in this region
are much less organic in nature than those in the NE
(e.g., wetlands in the SBRP are virtually nonexistent;
mean stream DOC at lower stream nodes was <1
mg/L), these model projections are uncomplicated by
potential effects of organic acid leaching. Model
projections for the increased sulfur deposition
scenario indicate the potential for about one quarter
of the target population of stream reaches in the
SBRP to reach an ANC of <50 /jeq/L in 50 years, and
thus may have the potential to reach an ANC ~0
jueq/L during storm event episodes.
The DDRP will also be making projections for
watersheds in the Mid-Appalachian Region of the
eastern United States. Thirty-six watersheds in that
region have been mapped; soil samples taken to
represent those watersheds have been processed and
analyzed. Projections of potential future responses of
those watersheds will be reported in the NAPAP
Integrated Assessment.
Address inquiries concerning DDRP to:
M. Robbins Church
DDRP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 304
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 304
-------
AERP status
Watershed Processes and Manipulations
Watershed studies conducted as part of the AERP are
using three approaches to further the understanding
of the effects of acidic deposition on surface waters.
Process-oriented research on natural systems is
designed to improve our understanding of the nature
and function of specific watershed mechanisms that
contribute to surface water acidification. Watershed
manipulations focus on understanding the integrated
response of the biogeochemical processes that
operate within a watershed and contribute to surface
water quality. Developing and testing surface water
acidification models combines current understanding
of surface water acidification with the results of the
other two areas of research to help quantify the
uncertainties associated with projecting future surface
water chemistries with models. The Watershed
Manipulation Project, Watershed Recovery Project, and
Little Rock Lake Acidification Project are watershed
studies currently in progress. Status reports on the
first two projects follow.
Watershed Manipulation Project (WMPJ-The WMP
involves process-oriented research designed to assess
the responses of watershed soils, biota, and streams
to altered levels of acidic deposition. An integrated
set of manipulation studies is being conducted at the
laboratory, plot, and catchment scales. Hypotheses
concerning sulfur and nitrogen dynamics, base cation
supply, aluminum mobility, organic acids, hydrology,
and catchment responses are being tested.
The laboratory and plot studies have yielded several
findings. These are being incorporated into a "findings
report" due in December 1989.
At the catchment scale, a paired-catchment approach
is being used. One catchment will be artificially
acidified by application of ammonium sulfate, while
the second (adjacent) catchment will serve as a
control. The catchments have been fully instrumented,
and baseline data have been obtained. Manipulation
is scheduled to begin in September 1989.
Address inquiries concerning WMP to:
Jeffrey J. Lee
WMP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 318
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 318
Watershed Recovery Project (WRP)-T\M WRP is
studying the reversibility of sulfate adsorption by soils.
The practice of using dried and stored samples to
characterize soil chemical response parameters has
long been questioned. Recently, studies conducted in
conjunction with the Direct/Delayed Response Project
indicated that air drying of soil samples resulted in
30-45% increases in the sulfate adsorption capacity of
six soils from the eastern United States. This finding
led to renewed concern about sample storage effects
on measured soil properties.
Wet and dry sulfate adsorption and desorption
isotherms have been determined for 100 soil samples,
obtained from 10 sites in the Northeast and 20 sites
in the Southern Blue Ridge Province. Analysis of the
samples for other properties such as cation exchange
capacity, pH, exchangeable bases, organic matter, and
extractable iron and aluminum is almost complete.
These results will be used to develop regression
equations that relate sulfate desorption to sulfate
adsorption and wet sulfate isotherms to dry sulfate
isotherms. Because the dry isotherms and the
nonisotherm analyses use DDRP procedures, the
results will be applicable to the DDRP data base.
Address inquiries concerning WRP to:
Jeffrey J. Lee
WRP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 318
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 318
Episodic Response Project (ERP)
Several approaches to understanding acidic episodes
(events related to weather conditions that produce
snowmelt and rainfall) in surface water have had only
partial success for a number of reasons. Both
intensive studies and survey approaches have been
limited in terms of the data produced, primarily as a
result of the unpredictable nature of snowmelt and
rainstorm events. Most of these studies have
employed manual sampling as the principal field
sampling approach, and thus episodes that begin on
weekends or at night are typically missed. Survey
approaches have had limited success because of
logistical difficulties associated with sampling
unfamiliar systems. Therefore, a more intensive
approach is being employed at 5 streams in
Pennsylvania and 10 streams in New York. Biological
-6-
-------
AERP status
and chemical characterization will be conducted during
snowmelt and rainstorm events by means of
automated and manual sampling techniques.
Eastern Ep/sodes-The ERP goals are to identify and
quantify short-term acidic episodes in four to five
streams in each of three regions (the Northern
Appalachian Plateau in Pennsylvania and the
Adirondack and Catskill mountains in New York State)
and describe biological responses to episodes and to
synthesize the results of the studies in these areas
into regional models that will describe and predict
both the chemical and biological effects of these
short-term events.
Large rainstorms swept through the Pennsylvania
region during March, resulting in very high
streamflows in these study streams. The intensive
biological monitoring period was well coordinated with
these storms and negative effects of episodes on fish
were observed. Pennsylvania State University
researchers noted that there was a net downstream
movement of radio-tagged fish during episodes-fish
that survived these episodes were the ones able to
find tributaries with relatively good quality water.
Preliminary results from population-level work on
brook trout in the Adirondacks show that there may
be a significant natural depletion of fish population
levels during episodes. Results in the Catskill region
indicate that resident brook trout within acidic
streams are more tolerant of episodes than
nonresident brook trout.
Address inquiries concerning ERP to:
Parker J. Wigington, Jr.
ERP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 354
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 354
Regional Episodic and Acidic Manipulations Project
(f?EAM}-J\EAM is designed to provide data on the
effects of increased acidic deposition on surface
water quality following whole catchment manipulation.
Scientists are monitoring the response of streams to
acidification on both chronic and episodic time scales
at the Fernow Experimental Forest [administered by
the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Forest Service] near Parsons, West Virginia.
A paired catchment approach is being used, with one
catchment being artificially acidified by application of
ammonium sulfate and the other serving as a control.
Catchment manipulations were initiated in January
1989 and are continuing. Application rates are set at
approximately three times the seasonal ambient rates.
Episodic depressions in pH and increases in
sulfate concentrations associated with storms have
been observed in both streams at the site. Oxygen-18
data for stream water, soil water, and precipitation
have been received and are being used to evaluate
hydrologic routing in the catchments. The Forest
Service has funded and initiated biological studies at
the site.
Address inquiries concerning REAM to:
Jeffrey J. Lee
REAM Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 318
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 318
Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems
(TIME) Project
The objectives of the TIME project are to:
provide early warning of changes in surface wa-
ter acidification or recovery,
assess the extent to which observed trends in
surface water chemistry correspond with model
projections of chemical change, and
relate observed trends in surface water biology
and chemistry to trends in atmospheric deposi-
tion.
The manuscript described in the last status
"Biological Monitoring for Acidification Effects:
Results of a U.S.-Canadian Workshop," has been
reviewed and is undergoing revision. It will be
published as an EPA report this fall.
A technical paper has been submitted to Limnology
and Oceanography describing an ambient chemical
classification system based on ion ratios. The
system described in the paper helps identify lakes
that are pH sensitive and responsive to recent
deposition. The sensitivity-response indices were
verified through use of data bases from the National
Surface Water Survey, the Paleoecological
Investigation of Recent Lake Acidification and the
-7-
-------
AERP status
Long-Term Monitoring Project (LTMP). Lakes most
likely to provide early warning of change in acid-base
chemistry can now be easily identified for study.
Seven papers describing aspects of the TIME data
analysis plan have been submitted for publication in
the proceedings of the International Symposium on
the Design of Water Quality Information Systems.
The papers included descriptions of selecting
"hand-picked" sites, deposition monitoring, biological
monitoring, and univariate trend analyses. A paper
describing preliminary results of the LTMP has been
submitted to Environmental Management. The results
indicate that chemical trends can be detected with
available univariate statistical techniques applied to
seasonal data collected for five years.
TIME-Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Program (EMAP)-£Pk remains committed to
continuing monitoring activities which address the
acidic deposition issue. At the same time, the Agency
is in the process of developing an Environmental
Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) with
which TIME will interact. EMAP is being designed to
provide information on ecological conditions at
national and regional scales. More specifically, EMAP
will characterize and classify the ecological resources
at risk, quantify baseline conditions and trends in their
status, and identify probable causes by examining
corresponding patterns and trends in pollutant
exposure and other stressors. TIME, on the other
hand, is a very specialized program which will address
specific questions related to acidic deposition, such
as the effectiveness of emissions reduction programs
and the validation of predictive models similar to
those developed in the DDRP. Currently, the Agency is
evaluating the best way to design special study
programs such as TIME and EMAP so that they
complement each other. The relative roles and value
of spatially extensive surveys, annually monitored
trend sites, and temporally integrated monitored trend
sites are being evaluated. It is the current intent to
continue during this evaluation process.
Address inquiries concerning TIME to:
Jesse Ford
TIME/LTMP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666 ext. 442
FTS: 420-4666 ext. 442
SYNTHESIS AND INTEGRATION
ACTIVITIES
Regional Case Studies (f?CSJ~The PCS Project
synthesizes a large body of information related to
acidic deposition (collected by a variety of agencies,
institutions, and universities) with newly acquired
information from the AERP. This synthesis provides
regional comparisons of surface water quality,
including chemistry and biology, in areas of the United
States and Canada identified as potentially sensitive
to, changed by, or at risk because of acidic
deposition.
The major product of the RCS Project will be a book
entitled Acidic Deposition and Aquatic Ecosystems:
Regional Case Studies. A major conclusion of the
book is that the important factors and processes
controlling acid-base chemistry of surface waters vary
considerably among regions of the United States.
Final versions of most chapters were submitted in
May. Final manuscript preparation, including editing
and graphics, was carried out during the summer.
With a publication date set for early 1990, the book
will support the Aquatics State-of-Science reports
being prepared for the NAPAP.
Address inquiries about RCS to:
Donald F. Charles
Aquatic Team Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 753-6221 or 757-4666
FTS: 420-4666
1990 Report /4c//V/7/es~AERP scientists are making
major contributions to the 1990 NAPAP Final
Assessment, which consists of State-of-Science/
Technology (SOS/T) reports and an Integrated
Assessment (IA). NAPAP was created by Congress in
1980 as a 10-year program to provide scientific,
technological, and economic information on the
causes and effects of acidic deposition and
periodically report these findings to Congress and the
President. The 1990 IA, based on information
presented in the SOS/T, fulfills this final obligation and
represents the conclusion of NAPAP.
The Aquatic Effects Task Group is preparing seven
SOS/T reports on topics such as the current status of
-8-
-------
STATE
INFORMATION
The AERP status provides a forum for
states to exchange information and update
activities. Highlighted state activities are
presented below.
California
On July 1, 1989 the Air Resources Board
(ARB)-Research Division received funding for
the Atmospheric Acidity Protection Program
(AAPP), authorized by the State Legislature.
This is a 5-year, $15 million continuation of
the Kapiloff Acid Deposition Research and
Monitoring Program. The aquatic effects
program will focus on the following
research areas: snow monitoring and
snowpack processes in the Sierra Nevada,
episodic acidification at high-elevation
watersheds, and identification of sensitive
biological populations in lakes, streams, and
ponds.
A number of reports summarizing results of
the Kapiloff Program are available. These
include:
The Health and Welfare Effects of
Acid Deposition in California:
Technical Assessment. 176 pp.
June 1989.
Atmospheric Acidity Protection
Program: Five- Year Research Plan.
28 pp. June 1989.
Final reports for each of the projects
funded under the Kapiloff Program.
These reports are available by writing to
Susie Stadtman, ARB-Research Division,
P.O. Box 2815, Sacramento, California
95812.
The Division began to issue Requests for
Proposals for the AAPP in July 1989.
Long-term monitoring of watersheds and
deposition will be the priority areas for
funding in the first year of the program.
Address inquiries about the above
information to:
Kathy Tonnessen
ARB-Research Division
P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, California 95812
Florida
The Florida Department of Environmental
Regulation is conducting studies of Florida's
sensitive lakes in order to characterize their
chemistry and biology and to evaluate fac-
tors contributing to their ANC. The Florida
Soft Water Lakes Study project, to be
completed in the early fall, is evaluating the
water chemistry and status of fish
populations in twelve acidic soft water
lakes. The Florida Lakes Reassessment
Study project will evaluate whether historical
water chemistry changes have occurred
among Florida lakes. The Florida Seepage
Lakes Study is evaluating the factors that
regulate ANC, including ground-water
contributions. This project is being
conducted by a cooperative effort of the
Florida Department of Environmental
Regulation, the U.S. Geological Survey, the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the
Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group,
the Electric Power Research Institute, and
Southern Company Services.
Address inquiries about the above
information to:
Curtis E. Watkins
Florida Dept. of Environmental
Regulation
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
Pennsylvania
A final report has been issued on the
Effects of Neutralization and Acidification in
Pocono Mountain Lakes. The report
documents the chemistry and biology of two
S-1
-------
northeastern Pennsylvania lakes from 1984
to 1988. Limestone was added to one lake
and the other lake remained untreated. The
lakes were similar biologically and
chemically prior to treatment. Following the
addition of 100 tons of agricultural
limestone to the ice in February 1985, the
treated lake experienced statistically
significant increases in ANC, specific
conductance, calcium, magnesium, and
silica. However, by 1987 it was evident that
the lake was reacidifying and a smaller
limestone dose (15.1 tons) was added as a
slurry in October 1987.
Most of the significant biological changes
were not evident until 2 to 3 years after the
limestone additions. Some of these
changes include: decrease in blue-green
algae (Cyanobacteria), increases in diatoms
(Bacillariophycead), euglenophytes
(Euglenophyta), mayflies (Ephemeroptera),
dragonflies (Odonata), caddisflies
(Trichoptera), aquatic earthworms
(Oligochaeta), benthic macroinvertebrate
total numbers, taxa richness and wet
weight and numbers of bacteria in the
water column.
Over the study period, the reference lake
became acidic (ANC ^0.0 /jeq/L) in summer
1987. Significant decreases in the lake were
recorded for ANC, specific conductance, and
total organic carbon. Biological changes
included decreases in diatoms, fire algae
(Pyrrhophyta), phytoplankton taxa richness
and biovolume, and Rotifera numbers, and
increases in Copepoda (especially
Diaptomus minutus), crustacean biomass,
and benthic Ceratopogonidae.
The limestoning was effective in maintaining
water quality adequate for acid-sensitive
invertebrates and algae. The limestone
remained effective for approximately 2.5
years, 3 times the lake's retention time of
276 days. The lake reacidified due to
dilution and/or neutralization of incoming
acidic precipitation.
Once water quality has improved, less
acidic water should be maintained because
many acid-sensitive algae and invertebrates
take 2 to 4 years to increase their
populations. Fish populations take even
longer. The lake must be regularly
relimestoned if acid-sensitive biotic
communities are to thrive.
Address inquiries about the above
information to:
Patricia T. Bradt
Environmental Studies Center
Chandler #17
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015
Virginia
A survey of 344 streams in the Appalachian
Mountain region of Virginia that support
reproducing populations of native brook
trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) was conducted
in the spring of 1987. The surveyed streams
represent about 76% of the identified trout
streams in the region. Relative to
commonly applied sensitivity criteria, 93% of
the streams are sensitive (alkalinity <. 200
A/eq/L), 49% of the streams are extremely
sensitive (alkalinity :s50 A/eq/L) and 10% of
the streams are currently acidic (alkalinity
<0.0 /jeq/L). Sulfate is the dominant anion
in the streams, but all catchments
associated with the streams are retaining
significant amounts of atmospherically
deposited sulfur (median retention = 68%).
Estimates of past and potential future
acidification were obtained using a simple
linear model relating changes in
concentrations of base cations to changes
in concentration of sulfate. Sulfate
concentration changes were determined as
the difference between currently observed
concentrations and estimated past and
future steady-state concentrations.
Changes in concentrations of base cations
were calculated, assuming base cation
increase factors equal to 0.4 and 0.8 times
the sulfate increase. The median historical
alkalinity loss for the sampled population is
estimated as 29 and 9 ^eq/L for the two
assumed factors, with 3% and 0% of the
streams estimated to have had historical
alkalinities <0.0 /jeq/L The median future
alkalinity loss is estimated as 90 and 30
/jeq/L for the two assumed factors, with
88% and 32% of the streams estimated to
have future alkalinities <0.0 /jeq/L.
Address inquiries about the above
information to:
James R. Webb
Department of Environmental
Sciences
Clark Hall
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
Wisconsin
In 1987, a project was undertaken to study
the effects of acidic deposition on
S-2
-------
Wisconsin streams. Thirty-eight potentially
acid-sensitive streams were sampled at
base-flow to characterize their water
chemistry and sensitivity to acidic
deposition. Three of the 38 were sampled
during snowmelt and/or rainfall events to
characterize water chemistry changes which
may have been caused by acidic deposition.
Samples were taken during 11 rainfall and/or
snowmelt events at the 3 streams.
Most of the base-flow samples and some
of the episodic samples were taken
manually (grab samples). An automatic
sampler was installed at Otter Creek in
Southern Wisconsin to collect episodic
samples. Six episodes were sampled using
the automatic sampler. The stream-water
samples were analyzed for all major cations
and anions, nutrients, pH, alkalinity,
conductivity, color, turbidity, dissolved
organic and inorganic carbon, iron,
manganese, and aluminum. Concentrations
of labile monomeric aluminum were
estimated using the ALCHEMI model
developed by Schecher and Driscoll. A few
snow and rain samples were analyzed in
addition to the stream-water samples.
The study found that Wisconsin streams
are not susceptible to acidification because
they contain relatively high levels of
alkalinity, base cations, and organic acids.
Wisconsin streams also have low
concentrations (<5 jueq/L) of labile
monomeric aluminum. These concentrations
are lower than concentrations associated
with harmful effects on biota. Depressions
in alkalinity and pH and other changes in
water chemistry which occurred in streams
during snowmelt and rainfall events were
caused by natural processes (primarily
dilution), not by acidic deposition.
The major conclusion of the study is that
streams in Wisconsin are not being
adversely affected by acidic deposition.
The details of the study are contained in
three reports:
1. Eilers and Bernert, 1989. Acid-Base
Chemistry of Selected Streams in
Wisconsin, Report 89-02.
2. Wisconsin DNR. 1988. Water Chemistry
of Selected Streams in Wisconsin
Relative to Potential Effects of Acid
Deposition, An Interim Report, PUBL-AM-
027-88.
3. Wisconsin DNR, 1989. Effects of
Acid Deposition on Wisconsin Streams.
PBL-AM-032-89.
For copies of the reports or inquiries about
the above information, please contact:
Eric Mosher
Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
(608) 266-3010
S-3
------- |