Skip Navigation MassDEP Home Mass.Gov Home State Agencies State Online Services
site map contacts
 
table border table border
shadow welcome to the department of environmental protection

Lead Shot: Environmental Issues
Lead Mobility
Acidic soil, wetlands, and "acid rain" conditions in Massachusetts can dissolve lead shot. As a result, dissolved lead is released to soil and sediment, and can enter groundwater and surface water. Lead contamination can spread with groundwater and surface water, by erosion, or with airborne dust. Surface water pH in Massachusetts is often lower than 6. Water at or below this acid level is optimum for lead migration in the environment. Graphic depicting increased solubility of lead at high and low pH levels.

 

Influence of pH or Acidity on Environmental Activity of Lead



Graphic depicting movement of lead from pellets on ground into the soil, surface water and groundwater.

Figure from Environmental Aspects of Construction and Management of Outdoor Shooting Ranges, Volume 2, National Shooting Sports Foundation, 1997.

 

 

dep logo top