ABSTRACT
This chapter will first consider the natural processes and factors that control the spatial and temporal patterns of surface water chemistry before considering how water use by humans impacts upon water quality. In particular, it will explain how changes in agricultural practices and urbanisation affect water quality, and the miti gation factors that are being used to try to reduce water pollution from these sources. This chapter also describes the causes of acid mine drainage, its impact on water quality and mitiga - tion options that exist. The causes of acid rain, its impact on water quality and how legislation in Europe and North America has led to the reduction of acid rain are discussed. Finally, the chapter will look at the role of national and inter -
Figure 4.1 The different hydrological pathways that precipitation may take to reach surface waters and their effect on solute concentrations.
