Effects of Acid Rain on Ecosystems
In the past century, one of the greatest threats to North America's aquatic ecosystem has been the widespread acidification of hundreds of thousands of waterways. Acid rain has effected plant and animal life within aquatic ecosystems, as well as microbiologic activity by affecting the rates of decomposition and the accumulation of organic matter. What causes this poisonous rain, and what can be done to improve North America's water quality and prevent future catastrophes? To answer these questions, we must first examine the cause and formation of acid rain, as well as understand ways to decrease or prevent its formation. Acid deposition, more commonly known as acid rain, occurs when emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and oxidants to form acidic compounds. This mixture forms a mild solution of sulfuric and nitric acid which then falls to the earth in either wet (rain, snow, sleet or fog) or dry (gas and particles) form. Approximately one-half of the atmosphere's acidity falls back to earth through dry deposition in the form of particles and gases, and are then spread hundreds of miles by winds where they settle on surfaces of buildings, cars, homes, and trees.
Although some plants and animals can survive acidic waters, others are acid-sensitive and will die as the pH declines. 0, whereas clams and snails are the weakest only being able to tolerate a pH of 6. In 1995, phase I of the Clean Air Act Amendment was launched. For example, low pH will often stunt the growth of frogs, toads and salamanders. One of the most acidic lakes reported is Little Echo Pond in Franklin, New York, which has a pH of only 4. where acid rain is most common include the New York Adirondacks, mid-Appalachian highlands, and the upper Midwest. Establishing more organizations such as this will help us understand how and where to combat the acid rain problem. Areas that have used this method have had some success; however; liming does not always work because the lake may be too large and therefore economically unfeasible. Lakes and streams become acidic (pH value goes down) when the water itself and its surrounding soil cannot buffer, or shield, the acid rain enough to balance its pH level. In areas such as the northeastern United States and parts of Canada where soil buffering is poor, many lakes now have a pH value of less than 5. There are two responsible causes for the slowing rate at which organic matter decomposes underwater. In this agreement, acid deposition causing emissions of sulfur are permanently capped in both countries (13.
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