the median pH for the northeastern United States measured at 4.3 (Boyle & Boyle, 1983, p. 31). A pH value of 4.3 is about 15 times more acidic than a 5.6 value.
There is considerable evidence that acid deposition has a damaging effect on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, soil, surface water and even people. The extent of acidic damage depends on site specific characteristics and the level of tolerance of the particular species effected. The lag time for effects from today's emissions may be as long as 50 to 100 years for terrestrial ecosystems and 10 to 20 years for aquatic ecosystems.
In terms of terrestrial ecosystems, acid deposition contributes to the depletion of calcium and magnesium from the soil, both of which are essential nutrients for vegetative life. Much of Canada's and Germany's forest industry is
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