Influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on water acidification in humid regions

Abstract

Anthropogenically induced acidification of waters develops at humid territories in Russia. Acidified lakes with high water transparence, low pH (<6) and predominance of strong-acid anions make up 4.4% lakes in the European part of Russia and 8.2% in the tundra–taiga part of Western Siberia. The major factors responsible for water acidification are sulfur compounds emitted from smelters in the European part of Russia and synthesized when accompanying gas is combusted at oil-producing enterprises in Western Siberia. In combinations with natural factors, these processes result in complicated mechanisms of anthropogenic water acidification. Organic acids, whose concentrations in waters in humid zones are high, are able to enhance anthropogenic acidification.