Short-term (hours) experimental acidification of a Cd-contaminated Precambrian Shield stream with low buffering capacity caused the release of Ca, Mg, Cd, Mn, Fe, and Al from the streambed. Release of metals was consistent with pH-dependent desorption and dissolution of amorphous hydroxides. Partial neutralization of the stream with MgCO3 inhibited metal release for most metals; however, excess Mg appeared to stimulate Cd release. Thus addition of Mg (and probably Ca) compounds to neutralize acidified water may be ineffective for reducing Cd concentrations in solution because added cations apparently compete with Cd for adsorption sites. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1994