Acid rain severely harms aquatic life through a cascade of negative effects. The increased acidity disrupts the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems, leading to widespread damage and biodiversity loss.
Direct Impacts on Aquatic Organisms
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Fish Kills: Acid rain directly lowers the pH of water bodies, making them uninhabitable for many species. Many fish eggs cannot hatch in acidic conditions, and even adult fish suffer from physiological stress and death at lower pH levels. (Source: Lake Scientist, Acid Rain, Source: Effects of Acid Rain | US EPA). This can lead to complete elimination of fish species from affected areas. (Source: Lake Scientist, Acid Rain).
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Reduced Reproduction: The acidity interferes with the reproductive processes of many aquatic organisms. For example, acid rain can damage or dissolve the shells of fish eggs, preventing successful hatching. (Source: How does acid rain affect aquatic life?).
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Impaired Growth and Development: Even if organisms survive the initial exposure, acidic conditions can hinder their growth and development, leading to smaller and weaker individuals. (Source: Acid Rain: What it is & its Effects on the Aquatic System - Save The ...)
Indirect Impacts Through Aluminum Toxicity
Acid rain increases the solubility of aluminum in soil. This aluminum then leaches into waterways, reaching toxic levels for aquatic organisms. Aluminum disrupts the delicate gill function of fish, leading to suffocation and death. (Source: Acid rain causes a cascade of effects that harm or kill individual fish, reduce fish population numbers, completely eliminate fish species from a waterbody, and decrease biodiversity).
Ecosystem-Level Effects
The combined effects of acid rain lead to significant reductions in biodiversity. The decline in fish populations also impacts the food web, affecting other aquatic animals and plants that rely on these fish for sustenance. This disruption further destabilizes the ecosystem, resulting in a loss of overall health and resilience. (Source: Effects of Acid Rain - Surface Waters and Aquatic Animals | Acid ..., Source: Acid Deposition and Its Effect on the Environment - NYSERDA)
