Water-quality impacts from climate-induced forest die-off

• DOI: 10.1038/nclimate1724
• Publication Date: 2012-10-25T16:16:39Z
• Authors: Kristin M. Mikkelson; Eric R. V. Dickenson; Reed M. Maxwell; John E. McCray; Jonathan O. Sharp
• Keywords: Biogeochemical Cycle

Climate change is known to influence insect-induced tree mortality. Research now reveals knock-on implications for municipal water quality in Colorado, USA. Significantly higher levels of harmful disinfection by-products and total organic carbon were found in treatment facilities using water from mountain pine beetle-infested basins compared with unaffected watersheds.