UK waters recovering from acid rain
Thursday 17 November 2005
New data from studies of the UK’s most sensitive
waterways has indicated a recovery from the effects of acid rain. Levels of
acidic sulphur in upland lakes and streams have generally halved over the
last 15 years, resulting in a revival in fish, plant and insect species.
Acid rain is attributable to emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen
oxide, and it is the cutting of these materials that has led to the
recovery.
The UCL research focused on twenty-two of the UK’s most sensitive waters
which have been monitored continuously since 1988.
"It will take time for these sensitive waters to recover from the
devastating effects of acid rain. So it is extremely encouraging that
today's research suggests that they are starting to recover,” said Ben
Bradshaw, Fisheries and Local Environmental Quality Minister.
"The research shows that the measures we have put into place to control
emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are starting to pay off.
The switch from coal to gas in both power generation and in the home, while
being mainly for economic reasons, has also meant a lot less pollution,” he
added.
Despite the progress, researchers warned that the situation will require
continued monitoring and assessment.
Professor Rick Battarbee, UCL Department of Geography said; “There is a risk
that a wetter climate in the uplands in future might offset some of the
recovery we are now seeing. Continued careful monitoring at key sites will
be essential to assess future responses to these different pressures"
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