HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bitton, G. Articles by Boylan, R. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Bitton, G. Articles by Boylan, R. A. Agricola Articles by Bitton, G. Articles by Boylan, R. A.

Effect of Acid Precipitation on Soil Microbial Activity: I. Soil Core Studies¹

ABSTRACT

A study using soil columns was undertaken to examine the effect of acid precipitation on selected microbial processes. Following short-term (92 d) exposure of soil cores to acid rain at pH 3.7 and 3.0, no alteration in enzyme activities was observed. The effect on soil respiration was dependent on soil type. Dinitrogen fixation was reduced only in one of the soils by the rain of pH 3.0. Following long-term (690 d) exposure to acid rain, alterations in enzyme activities and CO₂ evolution were dependent on the soil type. No reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content or N₂ fixation were observed.

Key Words: acid rain • soil microorganisms • enzyme activity

¹ Research funded through North Carolina State Univ. Coop. Agreement with the USEPA.

² Professor and graduate assistant, respectively, Lab. of Environ. Microbiol., Dep. of Environ. Eng. Sci., Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Received for publication April 29, 1983.