News In Brief

Federal researchers checking for acid rain in Florida lakes

A team of federal acid rain researchers began taking water samples from 187 lakes in 26 Florida counties Monday as part of a $7 million nationwide study. Environmental Protection Agency researchers will try to estimate how many lakes in Florida are vulnerable to acid rain.

The water samples will be tested for acidity, temperature, nutrient concentrations, and presence of some heavy metals. The sampling should be completed Dec. 23.