Long-Term Changes in Boreal Lake and Stream Chemistry: Recovery From Acid Deposition and the Role of Climate (original) (raw)

This research examines long-term changes in the chemical composition of boreal lakes and streams in response to acid deposition and climate influences. Significantly, sulfate deposition has decreased by 40-45% over a nearly three-decade study, yet nitrogen levels have remained unchanged, leading to an imbalance that hampers lake recovery. The findings indicate that recovery from acid deposition has been limited by climatic factors, with ongoing acid deposition exceeding critical loads at many sites, while changes in water chemistry show a consistent temporal pattern influenced by drought and climate variability.