Abstract :
Emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides from power stations make a major contribution to the acidification of surface waters with adverse consequences for fish and other aquatic life. The results of a recent six-year Anglo-Scandinavian research programme enables the progressive acidification of surface waters in relation to topography, geology, soil type, climate and land use to be accounted for. The author discusses the research strategy, the main conclusions, and briefly outlines some of the remaining problems