Peatland water chemistry in Central Ontario in relation to acid deposition

Thirty-one peatlands from two areas of central Ontario were sampled to assess the influence of acid deposition on peatland water chemistry. Factor analysis differentiated peatland water chemistry along three major axes of chemical variation, interpreted as axes of organic concentration, mineral concentration, and deposition influence. Water from the surface mats had a higher organic concentration than water from open pools. Mineral influence in peatland waters was reflected by higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, and silica in fen pools compared to bog pools. The influence of high acid deposition in the Wanapitei study area was indicated by high concentrations of sulphate, Ni, Mn, and Cu, and lower pH compared to an area that has received less acidic deposition (Ranger). Regression analyses indicated that H⁺ variation in bogs could be largely explained by organic C concentration, but that sulphate concentration was also positively associated with acidity, while Ca was negatively associated with acidity.