ACIDIFICATION
Acidification refers to the process by which a substance becomes more acidic, which is characterized by an increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and a corresponding decrease in pH. This phenomenon can occur in various environments, including oceans, soils, freshwater bodies, and the atmosphere. Acidification is a critical environmental issue due to its widespread impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, human health, and the economy.
1.Acidification is the process by which the pH level of a medium, such as water or soil, decreases, making it more acidic. This process can occur naturally or as a result of human activities.
2.Ocean Acidification: This refers to the lowering of the ocean's pH due to the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). When CO 2 dissolves in seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which then dissociates into bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydrogen ions, leading to increased acidity.
3.Soil Acidification: This occurs when the soil's pH decreases, often as a result of natural processes like organic matter decomposition or human activities such as the excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers and acid rain.
4.Freshwater Acidification: Freshwater bodies, such as lakes and rivers, can also become more acidic through the deposition of acid rain, runoff containing acidic compounds, or the dissolution of acidic gases from the atmosphere.
5.Atmospheric Acidification: This involves the increase in atmospheric acidity due to emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from industrial activities, which can lead to the formation of Sulphuric and nitric acids.