Abstract
A comprehensive study began in 1980, at the Loch Dee catchment (south west Scotland), to study the effects of acidification and coniferous afforestation on streamwater ecology. When the project started, acid emissions were high but have since declined and stabilised. Average rainfall pH did not change significantly during the study period but total sulphate concentrations declined by 30%. The Loch Dee basin has three main subcatchments. Almost 70% of the Green Burn subcatchment was planted with Sitka spruce, between 1973 and 1975 and canopy closure has occurred at lower altitudes. Comparison of the water chemistry of the Green Burn and the Dargall Lane was done with cusum plots. The pH in the Green Burn has fallen relative to the Dargall Lane, whereas total and non-marine sulphate concentrations have remained unchanged over the last 10 years.
Published Version
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