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ACID RAIN AND SURFACE-WATER ACIDITY IN HONG KONG

ACID RAIN AND SURFACE-WATER ACIDITY IN HONG KONG Hong Kong experiences acid precipitation. Little attempt has been made to evaluate the impact of this upon the streams and rivers of the territory. Data from a small study basin reveals annual median pH values of 6.6, 6.8, 6.7, 6.7, 6.7, 6.4 and 6.3 respectively for the years 1989 to 1995. A second small study basin also had median pH values close to neutral. Secondary data sources, such as those provided by the Environmental Protection Department, also reveal that in Hong Kong river runoff is only slightly acidic and at times may be alkaline. According to a range of definitions, such as a pH of 5.6 or less, the streams and rivers of Hong Kong do not exhibit excessive acidity and could not be classified as acid surface waters. A permanent soil pipe system and two very ephemeral systems have been monitored near the study basin at the Kadoorie Agricultural Research Centre along with a further system on the Lam Kam Road. The pH values of the pipe systems are lower than for the streams currently being monitored. The pipeflow data suggest that the soil environment may be responsible for neutralizing the acid rain input. The possible mechanisms for this transformation are discussed. Information on the pH of wetland environments is presented for comparison with the streams: ponds have a median pH of 6.3 while marshes have a median pH of 6.1. These values are not dissimilar to those of the streams. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Asian Geographer Taylor & Francis

ACID RAIN AND SURFACE-WATER ACIDITY IN HONG KONG

Peart, M. R.; Fung, L. K.; Dongsheng, Guan
Asian Geographer , Volume 14 (2): 18 – Jan 1, 1995
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ACID RAIN AND SURFACE-WATER ACIDITY IN HONG KONG

Abstract

Hong Kong experiences acid precipitation. Little attempt has been made to evaluate the impact of this upon the streams and rivers of the territory. Data from a small study basin reveals annual median pH values of 6.6, 6.8, 6.7, 6.7, 6.7, 6.4 and 6.3 respectively for the years 1989 to 1995. A second small study basin also had median pH values close to neutral. Secondary data sources, such as those provided by the Environmental Protection Department, also reveal that in Hong Kong river runoff...
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Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Copyright
Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
ISSN
2158-1762
eISSN
1022-5706
DOI
10.1080/10225706.1995.9684004
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Hong Kong experiences acid precipitation. Little attempt has been made to evaluate the impact of this upon the streams and rivers of the territory. Data from a small study basin reveals annual median pH values of 6.6, 6.8, 6.7, 6.7, 6.7, 6.4 and 6.3 respectively for the years 1989 to 1995. A second small study basin also had median pH values close to neutral. Secondary data sources, such as those provided by the Environmental Protection Department, also reveal that in Hong Kong river runoff is only slightly acidic and at times may be alkaline. According to a range of definitions, such as a pH of 5.6 or less, the streams and rivers of Hong Kong do not exhibit excessive acidity and could not be classified as acid surface waters. A permanent soil pipe system and two very ephemeral systems have been monitored near the study basin at the Kadoorie Agricultural Research Centre along with a further system on the Lam Kam Road. The pH values of the pipe systems are lower than for the streams currently being monitored. The pipeflow data suggest that the soil environment may be responsible for neutralizing the acid rain input. The possible mechanisms for this transformation are discussed. Information on the pH of wetland environments is presented for comparison with the streams: ponds have a median pH of 6.3 while marshes have a median pH of 6.1. These values are not dissimilar to those of the streams.

Journal

Asian Geographer – Taylor & Francis

Published: Jan 1, 1995

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