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Science 4 September 1987:
Vol. 237. no. 4819, pp. 1189 - 1192
DOI: 10.1126/science.237.4819.1189
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Articles

Biogenic Sulfur and the Acidity of Rainfall in Remote Areas of Canada

JEROME O. NRIAGU 1, DOUGLAS A. HOLDWAY 1, and ROBERT D. COKER 1

1 National Water Research Institute, Box 5050, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6, Canada.

Sulfur released from any given natural or anthropogenic source carries an isotopic signature that can be used to trace its flow through the environment. Measurements of the concentration and isotopic composition of sulfur in weekly bulk precipitation samples collected over a 4-year period at a remote location in northern Ontario were recorded. The long-term isotopic data and the measurement on the production and release of dimethyl sulfide from boreal wetlands show that biogenic sources can account for up to 30 percent of the acidifying sulfur burden in the atmosphere in remote areas of Canada. The data suggest that significant biological reemission of anthropogenic sulfur is occurring. The role of this process in the continuing acidification of the environment for years to come must be a matter of concern.

Submitted on January 2, 1987
Accepted on May 15, 1987


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Metabolism of Acrylate to beta -Hydroxypropionate and Its Role in Dimethylsulfoniopropionate Lyase Induction by a Salt Marsh Sediment Bacterium, Alcaligenes faecalis M3A.
J. H. Ansede, P. J. Pellechia, and D. C. Yoch (1999)
Appl. Envir. Microbiol. 65, 5075-5081
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Role of Methanogens and Other Bacteria in Degradation of Dimethyl Sulfide and Methanethiol in Anoxic Freshwater Sediments.
B. P. Lomans, H. J. M. Op den Camp, A. Pol, C. van der Drift, and G. D. Vogels (1999)
Appl. Envir. Microbiol. 65, 2116-2121
   Abstract »    Full Text »
Palaeoecological evidence for environmental change during the last 200 years. II. Chemical data.
A. M. Mannion and A.M. Mannion (1989)
Progress in Physical Geography 13, 192-215
   PDF »


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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)