Effect of Ambient Air Quality on Throughfall Acidity

Abstract

Observations at Woods Lake‐watershed in the Adirondacks (New York) indicate that precipitation is further acidified by passage through coniferous canopies; conversely, passage through deciduous canopies has a net alkalizing effect. Both effects are dependent upon the levels of air quality. If the aerosol concentrations were to decrease to 35% of the current levels, both types of canopy would have a net alkalizing effect on incident precipitation. If the aerosol concentrations doubled, both canopy types would be net acidifiers of throughfall. The experimental procedure of varying aerosol concentration in an enclosed chamber may provide a means for measuring foliar exudation.