The report clearly indicates the potential for current and future adverse effects of sulfur deposition on stream chemistry in the Mid-Appalachian Region. Results of the work indicate that the Mid-Appalachian Region is in a period of transition. Some watersheds still maintain the ability to retain sulfur and thus buffer (at least temporarily) against continued deposition, whereas others have essentially lost the ability to retain (on a net anual basis) atmospherically deposited sulfur. These latter watersheds appear predominatly in the geographic area that receives the greatest levels of sulfur deposition, thus supporting the hypothesis that high levels of deposition have led to the status of decreased retention. The combined results of the report, when compared to the results of the prior final report on Northeast lakes and streams of the Southern Blue Ridge Province, indicate that the Mid-Appalachian Region is the area of the Eastern United States most likely to be experiencing the most notable increases in the effects of atmospheric sulfur deposition.

"EPA/600/R-92/186." "September 1992." Includes bibliographic references (p.333-354).