The historical perspective as well as the nature and causes of acid precipitation are presented. The toxicological effects of acid precipitation on lakes, other water bodies, fish, and invertebrate fauna are reviewed. In addition, the effects of this phenomenon on soil productivity and forest growth are examined. It appears that grave toxic effects have been and are being experienced by aquatic systems, but there is little reliable evidence of economic damage to crops, natural vegetation, and soil and biological processes. There may be insidious long-term effects on terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in the more susceptible areas.
Effects of Acid Precipitation on Terrestrial Ecosystems, edited by T.C. Hutchinson and M. Haras. NATO Conference Series: 1, Ecology; Volume 4. Plenum Press, New York, $49.50. - Decomposition in Terrestrial Ecosystems, Studies in Ecology, Volume 5, by M.J. Swift, O.W. Heal and J.M. Anderson. Blackwell, £22.50.