Acid Rain

            Historically regulated by the Clean Air Act, Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) combines with other elements in the atmosphere to form sulfate aerosols that can be inhaled. According to studies by Harvard and New York Universities, elevated levels of these aerosols can be attributed to increased mortality rates for people with lung disorders like asthma and bronchitis. About 25 percent of inhalable particulates in the eastern United States are sulfate aerosols. Additionally, Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) combine with organic compounds in the air to form Ozone, which can increase the risk of fatality for those with lung disorders.
             Industry emissions of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrous Oxides (NOX) can combine with oxygen, water, and other compounds in the atmosphere, and result in acidic deposition or "acid rain". The EPA states that fossil fuel-fired electric utility plants are responsible for 70 percent of the annual SO2 and 30 percent of NOX emissions in the United States. These acidic compounds fall to the earth in dry or wet form, and can be transported by prevailing winds for hundreds of miles across international borders. The Canadian government estimates that over 14,000 lakes in eastern Canada are acidic as a result of U.S. SO2 and NOX emissions.
             The affect of acid rain on a body of water has much to do with the lake or streams ability to neutralize or buffer the acidic deposition. A lake or stream that sits on soil that has limited buffering capacity will be severely affected. A body of water that .
             sits on a limestone base is able to buffer the acid rain more efficiently. However, if the deposition is allowed to continue the buffering capacity will be exhausted and the lake or stream will eventually turn acidic. A U.S. National Surface Water Survey concluded that 75 percent of acidic lakes and 50 percent of acidic .
             streams are a direct result of acid rain. Hundreds of lakes in the Andriondack Mountain range have acidity levels that are .