The episodic acidification of small streams in the spring flood period of industrial polar region, Russia

Abstract

In Polar regions subject to acid precipitation, the spring flood period is swift and can be divided into three phases. In phase one, dilution and anion substitution by SO 4 controls episodic acidification. Phase two is characterized by interaction of snowmelt water with the catchment. A combination of several factors contributes to declines in pH and ANC. In forest and wetland ecosystems, organic acids greatly contribute to the pH depression in the streams. In the coastal tundra and forest-tundra zones, “salt-effect” acidification predominantes. The increase in toxic forms of trace (Ni, Cu) and rare (Fe, Al, Mn) elements during pH depressions may create stress conditions for the fauna of polar fresh waters during a flood period.