Adverse Effects of Atmospheric DepositionAcidic deposition is known to cause adverse effects on the aquatic Chesapeake Bay resources of Maryland and the watershed, such as populations in headwater the loss of fish streams. Less severe, but significant effects may potentially occur on terrestrial resources. Acidic deposition is also associated with both effects on human direct and indirect health such as the exacerbation of respiratory disorders. In addition, degrade many kinds of acidic deposition can building stone and may have substantial adverse effects on historical structures and artworks. |
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Graph on left: Fish species richness declines under low ANC conditions (Data from 1995 Maryland Biological Stream Survey, Maryland DNR) |
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Nutrient deposition contributes to eutrophication, which in the Chesapeake Bay results in such adverse effects such as reduced oxygen levels, nuisance algal blooms, dieback of underwater plants (due to reduced light penetration), and reduced populations of fish and shellfish. The Chesapeake Bay Program has determined that the loss of submerged aquatic vegetation as a result of overenrichment of nutrients is the principle cause of the loss of living resources in the Bay. Deposition of both trace elements (e.g., arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, lead, selenium, vanadium, and zinc) and organic contaminants (e.g., PCBs, PAHs, pesticides) can be directly toxic to organisms or pose health risks to humans and other organisms consuming contaminated individuals. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification are important processes that concentrate the amount of toxic substances in plants and animals. Bioaccumulation of mercury is one well-studied example that produces direct neurological and secondary effects such as reduced foraging success in fish. |
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Search Maryland DNR Rivers & Streams 101 | Monitoring & Research | Restoration & Protection Return to the Maryland DNR Home Page. |
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