Information On Freshwater Acidification

The process of acidification of natural water is not a new thing. It is as old as the ice age. But the recent freshwater acidification throughout the world is not natural.

There are many fresh water lakes all over the world. Especially in Scandinavia, Scotland, Canada, US and many parts of Europe, there are fresh water lakes. These lakes are being affected by acidification.

Anthropogenic activities are responsible for freshwater acidification. Today, the interference of mankind with the environment has proved very harmful. This causes the pollution and acidification of freshwater.

Acid rain is one of the major factors for acidification of freshwater. The acid rain has a mixture of harmful acids with the rain water. The main reason of acid rain is the pollution of earth. When the water of the acid rain dissolves in the freshwater, it becomes acidic.

The acid rain can enter into the freshwater lake either directly or through the small water streams. Along with the streams, some pollutants also get dissolved in the lake water and freshwater lakes get acidic.

Also, human beings use these lakes to entertain themselves. They use these lakes for fishing, water sports and swimming. This is responsible for the acidification of these lakes to some extent.

The acidification of freshwater affects the lives of the creatures living in water. Because of acidification, the freshwater animals face many difficulties. They don't get enough oxygen for breathing.

Also, the quantity of small fishes decreases. Acidification also affects the life cycle of plants of freshwater lakes.

These lakes are also a source of drinking water. With the increasing acidification due to dissolving of some harmful acids like carbon dioxide, the water becomes insufficient for drinking purposes.

Acidification of freshwater lakes is also changing the color of the water. A comparison between the real freshwater lake and an acidic fresh water lake reveals that the water of real freshwater lake has more components of blue color. The acidification of freshwater makes the water milky white in color.

To stop acidification of fresh water, human beings have to stop the continuous interference with Mother Nature. The release of harmful gases in the atmosphere has to be controlled. This will provide enough oxygen to the animals living in the fresh water lakes. Also, it will provide more purified water for drinking purposes.

With the positive efforts of human beings, freshwater acidification can be controlled to a large extent. After all, nature gives us so much. Now, its our turn to make amends.