Freshwater acidification
acidification of freshwater by rain
Freshwater acidification occurs when acidic inputs enter a body of fresh water through the weathering of rocks, invasion of acidifying gas (e.g. carbon dioxide), or by the reduction of acid anions, like sulfate and nitrate within a lake, pond, or reservoir. Freshwater acidification is primarily caused by sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) entering the water from atmospheric depositions and soil leaching. Carbonic acid and dissolved carbon dioxide can also enter freshwaters, in a similar manner associated with runoff, through carbon dioxide-rich soils. Runoff that contains these compounds may incorporate acidifying hydrogen ions and inorganic aluminum, which can be toxic to marine organisms. Acid rain also contributes to freshwater acidification. A well-documented case of freshwater acidification in the Adirondack Lakes, New York, emerged in the 1970s, driven by acid rain from industrial sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
Causes
Natural
CO2 from the atmosphere or the decomposition of organic matter affects freshwater acidity. The CO2 dissolves in water to form carbonic acid. This carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate (HCO3-), which increases the H+ ions and leads to decrease in pH level.
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