Critical Limit of Acidifying Compounds to Invertebrates in Different Regions of Europe

Abstract

The International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Acidification of Rivers and Lakes (ICP Waters) was established in July 1985 under the Executive Body of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP). The main aim of the Programme is to assess, on a regional basis, the degree and geographical extent of acidification of surface waters. Dose/response relationship of acid deposition to aquatic invertebrates is discussed for different regions of Europe. The bases for the study are the occurrence of the most sensitive species in their geographical areas. Critical limit will vary depending on definition of acceptable damage level. To minimise this discussion we have used the presence of the most sensitive species for defining the critical limit. The study shows that critical limit of acid neutralisation capacity (ANC) vary depending on the typical fauna of sensitive species and their adaptations to the native water chemistry. In areas with different composition of sensitive species, different critical limit is suggested, varying from ANC 50 µeq/L.