Acidic Precipitation Research in Poland

Abstract

Investigations of the chemical composition of precipitation were carried out in Poland rather early at 22 sites (1964 to 1966), although the studies were not connected with the occurrence of acidic rain. In some regions with heavy air pollution (e.g., Katowice district), the investigations of the chemical composition of rainfall were carried out from 1965 to 1968, however, attention was mainly on the chemical composition of the solid phase of rainfall, connected with the air pollution in that region. Investigations connected with the dependence of air pollution on the acidity of precipitation and the contents of sulphates and ether components in it was initiated in 1976. Later, from 1980 to 1986, tests were carried out to define the impact of the dry and wet depositions on such elements of the ecosystem as soils and plant life, mainly forests.