• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.659-664
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• 2003

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of sulfuric acid and nitric acid among the main components of simulated acid rain (SAR) on the growth of vegetative organs and seed germination of Arabidopsis thaliana. The Arabidopsis treated with SAR supplemented with sulfuric and nitric acids, respectively, showed 28% and 30% decrease of shoot and root growth compared to the control plants, and also many necrotic spots on leaf surfaces after SAR treatment were observed. The shoot and root length for plants grown with nitric acid rain was 14% and 17% lower, respectively, compared to the control, whereas those grown with sulfuric acid rain was 24% and 25% lower than control plants. When Arabidopsis seeds were sown in distilled water, germination rate was 100% after 7 days. However, 80% in SAR medium supplemented with sulfuric and nitric acids, 88% in sulfuric acid rain medium and 93% in nitric acid rain medium. The germination abilities of seeds harvested from SAR supplemented with sulfuric and nitric acids, sulfuric acid rain, and nitric acid rain were 73%, 73% and 94%, respectively. Consequently, sulfuric acids showed more inhibitory effects than nitric acids on the growth of vegetative organs as well as germination rates in Arabidopsis.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.65-72
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• 1998

Various effects of simulated acid rain by $HNO_3$ and $H_2SO_4$ with pH 3.2, 4.2 and 5.6 were investigated in Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb, a biennial legume dominating the disturbed and poor soil vegetations. The nitric acid treatment of pH 3.2 resulted in 121% increase of the plant height compared to that of pH 5.6 during early growth, although 17% decrease was detected with the sulfuric acids. During 14 days of treatment, leaf biomass and chlorophyll content increased 168% and 133% with pH 3.2 nitric acid rain but decreased 20% and 38%, respectively, with sulfuric acid rain. Nitrogen content in various organs was also determined after 42 days of nitric acid treatment. It increased 480% and 387% by pH 3.2 and 4.2 in leaves, 212% and 214% in stems and 247% and 249% in roots. However, the same treatment with the sulfuric acid showed a considerable reduction in this content, indicating that the nitric acid was a nitrogen source. Nodule formation assayed revealed 15% decrease with pH 3.2 in contrast to 157% increase in pH 4.2, further suggesting an enhancement effect by the additional nitrogen source. Contrary to this, the nodule formation was reduced up to 43-71% by sulfuric acid rains. Specific nitrogen fixation activities of nodules estimated at pH 3.2, 4.2 and 5.6 nitric acid rain were 36.7, 42.8 and 47.3 ${\mu}mol\;C_2H_4{\cdot}g^{-1}\;fw\;nodule{\cdot}h^{-1}$, while those of sulfuric acid rain exhibited 1 nmol $C_2H_4{\cdot}plant^{-1}{\cdot}h^{-1}$ with pH 3.2, 177 with pH 4.2 and 179 with pH 5.6, yet it increased 2, 115 and 286 respectively corresponding to the three sulfuric acid concentrations. Further implications of the simulated acied rain were also discussed in the study.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.169-180
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• 1993

Soils of four combinations, sand with high content of organic matter(SL), sand with low content of OM(SS), siltyl loam with high content of OM(LL) and silty loam with low content OM (LS), were filled on column and then percolated with simulated sulfuric acid rain with pH 5.6, 4.0, 3.5, 3.0 and 2.5. From soil leachates, pH and concentrations of basic cations and Al were determined. Cation concentrations in the leachates increased as pH of the rain decreased. The orders of buffering capacity of soil, leachability of cation from soil, leaching sensitivity of ion andbase saturation sensitivity of soil to acidity of the rain water were SS$\leq$K <$\leq$LL

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.208-218
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• 1991

To compare the resistance of landscape trees by acid rain, simulated acid rain was treated on the seeds of 6 coniferous species (Pinus densiflora, Pinus thunbergii, Pinus koraiensis, Taxus cuspidata, Cedrus deodara, Thuja occidentalis) and 6 broad-leafed species (Ligustrum obtusifolium, Acer Buergerianum, Acer Ginnala, Styrax obassia, Cornus Kousa, Magnolia obovata). The experimental design of randomized block arrangement with three replications was implemented in the experimental field of Yesan National Agri-Tech Junior College. The seeds of 12 tree species were planted on the nursery soil in the early spring of 1991. The regime of artificial acid rain, in terms of spray frequency per monthly and spray amount at year records. Simulated acid rain (pH 2.0, pH 4.0, pH 5.6 as control) containing sulfuric and nitric acid in the ratio of 3:2 (chemical equivalant basis) diluted ground water, were treated on the experimental plants under condition of cutting off the natural precipitation with vinyl tunnel, during the growing season (April 8 to August 31) in 1991. Seedling establishment, seedling growth and nutrient contents in needles and leaves were measured and compared among the treatment. The results were summerized as follows; 1. In general, coniferous species were more resistant than broad-leafed species in the resistant comparisons of landscape trees by simulated acid rain. But there were resistant tree species to acid rain among the broad-leafed species. 2. Among 6 coniferous species used in this experiment, Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraiensis, Taxus cuspidata, Cedrus deodara and Pinus thunbergii revealed the resistant tree species to acid rain. But Thuja occidentalis was very susceptible to acid rain, because of no germination in pH 2.0 treatment plot of acid rain. 3. Among 6 broad-leafed species used in this study, Magnolia obovata, Styrax obassia and Ligustrum obtusifolium showed relative resistant tree species to acid rain. But Acer Buergerianum, Acer Ginnala and Cornus Kousa were very susceptible to acid rain, because of no germination in pH 2.0 plot of acid rain treatment.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.33-44
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• 1988

For the purpose of examining the effects of simulated acid rain on the chemical properties of the experimental soil in Pinus densiflora seedlings and Forsythia koreana rooted cuttings, the experimental design of randomized block arrangement with three replications was implemented in the experimental field of Yesan National Agricultural Junior College. One-year-old Pinus densiflora seedlings and Forsythia koreana cuttings were planted in the pots filled the mixed soils (nursery soil: forest soil of siliceous sandy loam = 1 : V/V)in the early spring of 1985. The regime of artificil acid rain, in terms of spray frequency per monthly and spray amount at single treatment per plot, was simulated on the basis of climatological data averaged from 30 years records. Simulated acid rain (pH 2.0, pH4.0, and pH 5.5 as control) containing sulfuric and nitric acid in the ratio of 3:2 (chemical equivalant basis) diluted ground water, were treated on the experimental plants under condition of cutting off the natural precipitation with vinyl tunnel, during the growing season (May 1 to August 31) in 1985. THe results obtained in this study were as follows; 1. Soil acidity was dropped, and exchangeable aluminum contents in the soil was dramatically increased in both species, with decreasing pH levels of acid rain. 2. Exchangeable potassium, clacium, magnesium contents, and base saturation degree of the soil were highly drcreased in two species as the pH levels of acid rain decreased. 3. In two species, sulfate concentrations in the soil were decreased of pH 4.0 treatment, and remarkably increased at pH 2.0 treatment of acid rain in comparison with control. 4. Total nitrogen and available phosphate contents of the soil were not affected by acid rain treatment in the both species, and Fe contents at pH 2.0 treatment were highest among three acid rain treatments.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.401-410
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• 2011

We assayed the effects of simulated acid rain on the mass loss, $CO_2$ evolution, dehydrogenase activity, and microbial biomass-C of decomposing Sorbus alnifolia leaf litter at the microcosm. The dilute sulfuric acid solution composed the simulated acid rain, and the microcosm decomposition experiment was performed at 23$^{\circ}C$ and 40% humidity. During the early decomposition stage, decomposition rate of S. alnifolia leaf litter, and microbial biomass, $CO_2$ evolution and dehydrogenase activity were inhibited at a lower pH; however, during the late decomposition stage, these characteristics were not affected by pH level. The fungal component of the microbial community was conspicuous at lower pH levels and at the late decomposition stage. Conversely, the bacterial community was most evident during the initial decomposition phase and was especially dominant at higher pH levels. These changes in microbial community structure resulting from changes in microcosm acidity suggest that pH is an important aspect in the maintenance of the decomposition process. Litter decomposition exhibited a positive, linear relationship with both microbial respiration and microbial biomass. Fungal biomass exhibited a significant, positive relationship with $CO_2$ evolution from the decaying litter. Acid rain had a significant effect on microbial biomass and microbial community structure according to acid tolerance of each microbial species. Fungal biomass and decomposition activities were not only more important at a low pH than at a high pH but also fungal activity, such as $CO_2$ evolution, was closely related with litter decomposition rate.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.76 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 1987

Simulated acid rain (pH 4.0, pH 2.0) containing sulfuric and nitric acid in the ratio of 60:40 (chemical equivalent basis) diluted with underground water, and underground water (pH 6.5) as control were treated on potted Pines koraiensis seeds during the growing season (May 1 to August 31) in 1985. The regime of artificial acid rain, in terms of spray frequency and amount per plot, was simulated on the basis of climatological data averaged for 30 years of records. The seedling growth, contents of chemical substances in needles and chemical properties of the tested soil were compared among the various pH levels of acid rain on October 31, 1985. Following results were obtained. 1. With decreasing pH levels of acid rain, S and $K_2O$ contents in leaf tissue were increased, but MgO and $P_2O_5$ contents were decreased. 2. Soil pH was dropped, and exchangeable aluminum content in the tested soil was dramatically increased as the pH levels of acid rain decreased. 3. Exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium contents, and base saturation degree of the soil were significantly decreased with decreasing pH levels of acid rain. 4. Sulfate concentrations in the soil were significantly increased as rain pH decreased, but total nitrogen and available phosphate contents were not influenced by acid rain.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.168-174
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• 1994

The experiments were performed to examine the effects of simulated acid rain (pH 1.0${\sim}$5.0) prepared by mixing sulfuric acid and nitric acid at the ratio of 3 : 1 on germination and growth of seedlings of some floricultural crops. Days to germination showed a one to three days' interval among crops, but pH level did not show any effect on germination for each crop. All seeds used in this experiment did not germinate at pH 1.0. At pH 2.0, the flowering cabbage and geranium still did not germinate, and even though the radicles of seeds were germinated, root hairs did not develop. The length of hypocotyls and radicles appeared to be significantly different according to the pH levels.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.77 no.3
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• pp.259-268
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• 1988

For the purpose of examining the effects of simulated acid rain on nutrient contents of plant tissues in Pintos densiflora seedlings and Forsythia koreana rooted cuttings, the experimental design of randomized block arrangement with three replications was implemented in the experimental field of Yesan National Agricultural Junior College. One-year-old Pinus densiflora seedlings and Forsythia koreana cuttings were planted in the pots filled the mixed soils(nursery soil : forest soil of siliceous sandy loam=1 : 1 v/v) in the early spring of 1986. The regime of artificial acid rain, in terms of spray frequency per month and spray amount at single treatment per plot, was simulated on the basis of climatological data averaged from 30 years records. Simulated acid rain(pH 2.0, pH 4.0, and pH 5.5 as control) containing sulfuric and nutric acid in the ratio of 3 : 2(chemical equivalant basis) diluted with ground water were treated on the experimental plants under condition of cutting off the natural precipitation with vinyl tunnel, during the growing season(May 1 to August 31) in 1986. The results obtained in this study were as follow : (1) As for the nitrogen contents in plant tissues, P. densiflora increased significantly in one-year-old stembranch and root tissues, and F. koreana increased significantly in leaf and root tissues, as the pH levels of acid rain decreased. (2) The available phosphate contents in root tissues of P. densiflora, and in leaf and root tissues of F. koreana were significantly decreased, as the pH levels of acid rain decreased. (3) $K_2O$, CaO and MgO contents in plant tissues were significantly decreased in the both species as the pH levels decreased. And the effects of acid rain on F. koreana were higher than those of P. densiflora. (4) Sulfur contents of plant tissues in the both species were increased at pH 2.0 treatment. There were significant differences among three acid rain treatments in leaf and root tissues of P. densiflora, and in all parts of F. koreana. (5) In the effects of simulated acid rain on the both species and the tested soils, in general, F. koreana revealed higher sensitiveness than P. densiflora, and the lower pH levels of simulated acid rain were treated, the more sharp reaction was showed.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.161-167
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• 1988

Studies were carried out to examine the effects of simulated acid rain on the various crops of rice, peper, tomato, pumpkin, egg plant, potato, soybean, radish, cucumber, common pea, sweet potato, corn, lettuce, chinse cabbage, spinach, under the condition of the rains of pH 3.0. The rain was adjusted to pH 4.0, 3.0, 2.0 with sulfuric acid, and soybeans were exposed with the various pH levels, eighteen times every other days. The symptoms of damage, ratios of destroyed leaf and sulphur content by leaves were investigated. The results obtained were as follows. 1. The exposure to the rain resulted in the reddish brown or white pigment spots in the leaves surface and the colour was developed red and darker along the edge of spots. 2. Most crops were affected with acid rain of pH 3.0 at which the amount of chlorophyl was decreased. 3. The spinach, chinese cabbage, lettuce were sensitive to the acid rain, however, the peper, tomato pumpkin were resistance to it. 4. The content of chlorophyl was decreased with increasing leave injury. 5. The sulphur content in leave was increased with increasing acidity of the rain, however the yield was decreased.