Acidification Of Freshwater To Balance PH Level

Acidification of freshwater streams and lakes is not a new phenomenon. In fresh water acidification, pH level of the water is maintained at a desirable level to facilitate growth of natural flora and fauna.

Freshwater acidification was first identified in 1970s and since then, many acidified freshwater bodies have been discovered. Areas susceptible to freshwater acidification have a poor base soil such as some parts of the US, Central Europe, Scandinavia, and Csanada.

Acidification of fresh water bodies can be caused due to various reasons. The most common cause is often acid rain. Acid rain makes its way into a freshwater body either through a catchment area or directly. If the catchment area has soil rich in alkaline content, it counteracts the harmful effects of acid rain. On the other hand, if the soil is poor in alkalinity, the acid water passes into the freshwater body, which leads to its gradual acidification.

Apart from acid rain, the induction of new livestock into the catchment area, deposits of air pollutants, deposits of nitric and sulfuric acids and use of nitrogen fertilizers can also contribute to the acidification of freshwater courses. Climatic conditions such as drought and snowmelt accelerate the process of acidification of freshwater bodies.

Acidification of freshwater bodies takes place gradually, but is a continuously progressive condition. Once initiated, it gradually continues to progress undeterred, destroying precious marine life and beauty in its wake.

Freshwater acidification triggers a change in the form of the carbon source, which then transforms into carbon dioxide from the initial carbonate. It can lead to the release of toxic metals and contribute to the contamination of the water body. Changes in the pH level towards lower values causes an adverse effect on the natural flora and fauna in freshwater bodies, leading to a complete disruption of the aquatic ecosystem.

At the onset of acidification, although the total quantum of the living organisms remains unchanged, the diversity of various species is adversely affected. Organisms such as snails, leeches, crayfish, trout, and salmon are at high risk due to lake acidification. While some resistant animal and insect species may disappear, some other species such as bloodworms and dragonfly larvae may increase proportionately and thus disturb the original ecosystem.

Reducing the emission of acidic pollutants is the sole way to prevent further acidification of freshwater bodies. Minimizing nitrogen oxide and sulfur releases seems to be the only means to control this problem.

Another solution in the meanwhile is to add lime to acidic water bodies. Lime has a neutralizing effect on acid and may be added to the catchment area or directly to the affected lake.

Use of lime has certain obvious advantages. It increases alkalinity and pH and reduces concentration of toxic metals. The effects are durable and the turnaround happens very quickly.

Therefore through the process of acidification, pH level of various freshwater bodies can be controlled easily. This could be very helpful in saving the natural growth of plants and animals under the water.