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The Adirondack Lakes in New York is one of the most well-documented case studies for freshwater acidification. As early as the 1970s, it was showing signs of acidification due to low values of acid ANC (Acid Neutralizing Capacity) industrial emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), resulting in acid rain. [3]
Researchers added sulfuric acid to whole lakes in controlled ecosystem experiments to simulate the effects of acid rain. Because its remote conditions allowed for whole-ecosystem experiments, research at the ELA showed that the effect of acid rain on fish populations started at concentrations much lower than those observed in laboratory ...
These substances rise very high into the air, mix with and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to create acid rain pollution. The effects of acid rain are mostly seen in aquatic ecosystems. As the rain flows through the soil, the acidic water can drain away aluminum from the soil and them flow into streams and lakes.
"Work at the ELA has produced important evidence on the effects of acid rain and led to the discovery that phosphates from household detergents cause algal blooms. It has elucidated the impacts on fish of mercury and shown how wetland flooding for hydroelectricity leads to increased production of greenhouse gases." [11]
The main source of sulfur and nitrogen compounds that result in acid rain are anthropogenic, but nitrogen oxides can also be produced naturally by lightning strikes and sulphur dioxide is produced by volcanic eruptions. [66] Acid rain can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic ecosystems and infrastructure. [67] [68]
Indiana's decisions also could affect wildlife throughout the watershed, Boritt said, including the more than 80 species of Great Lakes fish that rely on wetlands to spawn, feed or protect their ...
Scientists have observed that many lakes are becoming less clear while also recovering from acid rain. This phenomenon has been seen in the northeastern United States and northern Europe. In the past, some lakes were ecologically bare, yet clear, while acidity was high.
Lakes may be informally classified and named according to the general chemistry of their water mass. Using this classification method, the lake types include: An acid lake contains water with a below-neutral pH of less than 6.5. A lake is considered to be highly acidic if its pH drops below 5.5, leading to biological consequences.