Acidification

Question 1

What is Acid Rain?

Answer 1

Rain with a pH less then or equal to 5.0

Question 2

Two types of acid deposition?

Answer 2

Dry (aerosols and gases) Wet (acid rain/snow)

Question 3

Where is acid rain a problem?

Answer 3

Areas lacking carbonate geology and downwind of industry. E.g eastern seaboad

Question 4

Why is liming only a temporary solution to acidification?

Answer 4

For 1 it is very expensive to lime. Second because of the acid in water calcium carbonate and magnesium suspend in water column where they can be washed away. Once gone the buffering capacity is non-existent. So as soon as you stop liming pH will just drop again when more acid rain occurs.

Question 5

What is aquatic osteoporosis?

Answer 5

This is a long term effect of acidification. This is when a water shed has had massive leaching events of calcium and can occur to the point where is is depleted. This will negatively affect biodiversity and species composition. Animals that required calcium carbonate will be replaced by animals that can withstand lower pH levels. E.g Daphina and holopedium (jelly ball). Non-reversible effect.