Acidification in China: Assessment based on studies at forested sites fromChongqing to Guangzhou

The rapid economic growth in China has been accompanied by a corresponding increase in pollution. In this paper the extent and effects of acid precipi tation and precursors are discussed based on field observations and literat ure studies. Sulfur dioxide emissions are at present the major cause of aci d precipitation, but emissions of nitrogen oxides are increasing. The depos ition of sulfur compounds in the most polluted areas in China is higher tha n in those parts of Eastern and Central Europe which are experiencing sever e pollution. Soils and soil waters seem to be acidified in many areas in so uthern China. Pollution has affected the vitality of forests and other vege tation particularly in and close to urban areas. Surface water acidificatio n is not likely to become a major regional problem in the near future, but streams in some areas, which currently receive little acid deposition, appe ar to be sensitive to acidification.