The natural acidity of some unpolluted waters in southeastern Alaska and potential impacts of acid rain

Natural, unpolluted waters draining surface soils and bog soils near Petersburg, Alaska have low pH (≤4.7) due to the presence of organic acids. Nearby streams are influenced by organics as well, but are only slightly acid (pH≥6). Projections of the effects of acid and sulfate inputs (acid rain) using a worst-case model indicate the greatest potential declines in pH would occur in the most acid waters, whereas very little change would occur in near neutral waters.