VIC: Acid rain may be falling on Yarra

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-1999
VIC: Acid rain may be falling on Yarra

MELBOURNE, Aug 9 AAP - The first evidence of acid contamination has been found in the Yarra
River, prompting fears acid rain has hit Melbourne, it was reported today.

Scientists had found increased acid levels in the river's upper reaches, with one of the
sites affected only 5km from a reservoir supplying Melbourne with drinking water, the
Herald-Sun newspaper said.

Traffic and industrial pollution in the city have been blamed for the problem.

Scientist Dr Chris Gippel said falling pH levels - indicating increased acid - had raised
fears contaminated rain could be the cause.

"There has been a reduction in pH levels at many sites, so the Yarra is getting slightly
acidic," Dr Gippel said.

"It's hypothesised it could be related to airborne pollution."

It would be the first evidence of acid rain in southern Australia.

AAP imc/bm

KEYWORD: YARRA

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