Surface Water Acidification from Air Pollution: Two Case Studies in China

In recent decades, surface water acidification has started to influence China due to increasing acid pollution and acid deposition. The Jialing River and Taihu Lake, located in the three major acid rain zones, were chosen to be the areas for studying surface water acidification. Since acidification results from excessive acid inputs and high acidification sensitivity of the water body, the project focuses on acid gas emissions and the assessment of acidification sensitivity.

There is a great necessity for policymakers and environmental groups to take precautionary measures, referring to successful experiences from Europe. First and foremost, they are supposed to limit the emissions of SO2 and NOx from power plants and vehicles. In addition, a detailed acidification sensitivity map based on soil conditions, bedrock types, and land use types are helpful tools for identifying the likelihood of acidification. Moreover, strengthening monitoring by increasing monitoring sites and recording the quality and pH from wet and dry deposition could also help observe the acidification trend timely. It is believed that acidification would be effectively prevented if adequate mitigation measures are taken.