A theoretical calculation model for the acidification capacity of natural waters

The acidification capacity model is mainly used for the classification and the regional partitioning of the acidification sensitivity of natural waters. The theoretical calculation system of the acidification capacity from the conventional monitoring items, such as alkalinity, chemical oxygen demand and pH value, is established by simulating the acidification process of natural waters. In this study, the contributions of the organic acids and the dissolved aluminum to acidification capacity are discussed respectively, and the different acidification processes for natural waters are included. The calculation result for a typical watershed shows that the values of acidification capacity deriving from the different acidification processes differ from each other. It shows that the acidification processes of natural waters are complex and the establishment of a theoretical calculation system of the acidification capacity is necessary. This approach provides a methodological basis for using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System to resolve regional environmental problems.