Critical loads of a acidity to surface waters - Svalbard

Abstract

Water samples from 162 sites from Svalbard and Bjørnøya were analysed. A precipitation map for Svalbard was prepared. Coloured maps of critical loads and exceedance of critical loads were made for inputs of strong acids. 12% of the ice-free area of mainly nothern Svalbard has very low critical loads (< 25 keq/km²/yr), while 67% of Svalbard is well protected against acid precipitation (critical load>100 keq/km²/yr). Using ANC limit= 20 µeq/l, a minor exceedance of critical load was recorded in 5% of the ice-free area of Svalbard, and only in the northern parts.