Characterization of acidic precipitation in the Adirondack region

Abstract

Atmospheric inputs into three lake watersheds within a 30 km radius of each other in the Adirondack Park region of New York State were quantified for the period May 1978-August 1979. This was accomplished with a wet/dry precipitation network which collected samples on an event basis. Rain and snow amounts were measured and samples were analyzed for pH, conductivity, SO/sub 4/, NO/sub 3/, Cl, NH/sub 4/, Ca, Mg, K, and Na. Precipitation quantity and quality for the three watersheds was found to be similar, on a monthly or yearly basis, but individual events would occasionally show wide fluctuation in both manners across the network. Dry deposition made significant contributions (10 to 30%) to the total atmospheric loading to these basins.