How does air pollution affect the chemical and biological components of aquatic systems?
Stressors And Related Factors: Increased nitrogen and acidity at high-elevation sites. What To Monitor: Physical, chemical, and biological properties of high-elevation lakes, especially those with no outlets and in granitic watersheds; streams in areas that have soils with low buffer capacity; snowpack in watersheds with potentially sensitive aquatic resources. Where To Monitor: Most monitoring should take place in specific watersheds where other resources are being monitored as well. Justification And Other Information: Biological diversity in aquatic systems is a highly valued resource and a good indicator of the ecological integrity of those systems. NPS has a legal mandate to protect AQRVs. Potential Partners: USGS-Biological Resources Division, University of Washington. Top Monitoring Component: Air Quality Terrestrial Air Quality Related Values (AQRVs) Monitoring/Research Question: What are the impacts of air pollutants on sensitive plant species and microbial activity? Stressors
