Acid Rain

Both the articles, Acid Rain in China, and Chronic and Episodic Acidification, identified a growing problem, acid rain, and discussed causes, effects, and the research involved in resolving this issue. In China, vehicle and coal use has increased their emissions (which were about 22 million metric tons in 2003) and since 2003, these numbers have only increased while industry, population, and more are all increasing at an intimidating rate. The article also states that China’s annual growth rate for coal consumption is ~20% (419)…I tried going to China’s national statistics website to find updated statistics on China’s energy use, but unfortunately it can only be accessed through purchased reports. Regardless, it can be assumed the statistics for China’s consumption have since increased. Acid rain is located in Southern and Southwestern China and one of the most polluted areas was Chongquing. According to the World Health Organization’s profile of China, “Acid rain has been reported to be mainly distributed in areas south of the Yangtze River. The areas seriously affected cover about 30% of China (5)” and 74% of Chinese people “live in areas where air quality does not meet standards” (5) here is the site link to the report from June of 2005: http://www.wpro.who.int/NR/rdonlyres/1BAA5515-9571-4383-BA1D-169BDD4A8C38/0/China_EHCP_EHDS_9jun05.pdf

In the second article, the researchers conducted a survey design with a population of accessible streams within a 3 part criteria; a sample of 200 randomly selected streams, and they conducted samplings during selected seasons and intervals. From this, they used calculations of BCS (base-cation surplus) and DOC indicators (dissolved organic carbon) as well as ANCg (acid-neutralizing capacity by Gran titration, http://web.mit.edu/mpinney/MacData/afs.mpinney/MacData/afs.course/1/1.75/OldFiles/www/Lecture8AlkalinityPaper.pdf

which measures water’s acid-base status and Ph, but for the purpose of this research design, BCS was a more effective measurement for acidic deposition (2271).

Essentially, both articles addressed the issue of lacking data; the Adirondack stream study didn’t have adequate data collection that could truly represent the presence or effects of acid rain, and in China, “more studies are needed on the impacts on forests and ecosystems” (424). Acid rain is happening. The research looks to find ways to neutralize the acidic levels, as well as identify and hopefully eliminate root causes. What this issue calls for is “willingness to establish environmental policies” (424), more extensive studies and data, and monitoring. Monitoring has been greatly improved for China, and the WHO stated that the cases they oversaw “represents improvement over the last seven years” (5).

In the Adirondack streams study, the last sentence on 2273 says “additional studies will be needed…” to measure stream sensitivity to acid, curious - what kinds of studies would help?

After the Global Climate Discussions in Copenhagen in December, where does, if at all, acid rain stand on China’s agenda for emission reduction? I found this brief article about closing small coal power plants: http://en.cop15.dk/news/view+news?newsid=1797

Eutrophication-is a process whereby water bodies, such as lakes, estuaries, or slow-moving streams receive excess nutrients that stimulate excessive plant growth.

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/Photography/Images/POD/r/raindrops-sisson-295322-xl.jpg - - this is pretty sweet – it’s on my screen saver, but didn’t realize what was until now