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Effect of simulated ‘acid rain’ on cation loss from leaves

Nature volume 255, pages 324–325 (1975)Cite this article

Abstract

INCREASING consumption of fossil fuels over the past two decades has given rise to elevated levels of nitrogen and sulphur oxides in the atmosphere. These compounds undergo hydrolysis and oxidation giving rise to nitric and sulphuric acids. The presence of these compounds in precipitation may enhance its hydrogen ion concentration1. Normally, precipitation has a pH range of 6.5–7.0 but the trend towards increasing acidity is increasingly clear. pH values of 4.0 have been reported for Cumbria, UK2, 3.8–4.2 for Liverpool, UK (M. H. Eastwood, personal communication), approaching 3 for Hubbard Brook, New Hampshire1, and a value of 2.8 has been recorded in Scandinavia1. One of the main effects of rainfall on plants is the leaching of nutrients from leaves. What effect rainfall of low pH may have on this process is at present unknown, as previous leaching studies3 have used distilled water at pH 6–7.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Liverpool Polytechnic, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK

    J. A. W. FAIRFAX & N. W. LEPP

Authors
  1. J. A. W. FAIRFAX
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  2. N. W. LEPP
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FAIRFAX, J., LEPP, N. Effect of simulated ‘acid rain’ on cation loss from leaves. Nature 255, 324–325 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/255324a0

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