Episodic acidification of three streams in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA

Abstract

Short-term acidification of surface waters in the eastern United States accompanying rainfall and snowmelt events represents an important aspect of the regional acidification problem. The objectives of this field study were to (1) examine the changes in acid-base chemistry during stormflow conditions, (2) understand the hydrological flowpaths that control streamwater acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), and (3) evaluate the contribution of individual ions to the overall changes in streamwater ANC. Three forested mountain streams in Shenandoah National Park (Paine Run, Piney River, and Staunton River) were chosen based on their similar catchment size (11–13 km2) but different bedrock geology and baseflow ANC. Throughout the three-year study, samples were collected at eight-hour intervals (primarily to establish antecedent baseflow conditions), and at two-hour intervals during events until the flow receded. All samples were analyzed for pH, ANC, and all major cations and anions. During storm events, pH and ANC decreases were observed in all streams, with ANC becoming negative several times in Paine Run. Base cation concentrations typically increased in Paine Run and Staunton River, but usually decreased in Piney River. Sulfate and nitrate concentrations generally increased in all streams. Antecedent baseflow ANC was found to be the best predictor of the minimum ANC. The data from more than 40 episodes on these streams (initiated by 25 different storm events) are interpreted to evaluate the relative importance of natural and anthropogenic sources of acidity to these acid-sensitive natural waters.