Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 19: Problem 9

How can a shift in environmental \(\mathrm{pH}\) affect aquatic ecosystems? What protects these ecosystems in some regions?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Changes in environmental pH can cause stress to aquatic life, even leading to death and lowering biodiversity in extreme cases, by affecting the solubility and availability of chemicals in the water. However, some regions can resist these changes with their buffering capacity. This capacity, often due to substances such as limestone, neutralizes added acids or bases, thus protecting the aquatic ecosystems.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding pH and aquatic life

The pH of a body of water is very important as it affects the solubility and biological availability of all chemical constituents in the water such as nutrients and heavy metals. Most aquatic organisms thrive at a pH level between 6 (slightly acidic), and 9 (slightly alkaline). An undue shift either way can cause distress to the organisms, leading to death in extreme cases.
02

Describing the effects of pH shifts

A significant pH alteration in the water makes it less habitable. Acidic conditions can make the water corrosive and toxic to aquatic life by leaching high levels of metals from the surrounding rock. Further, it may also lower the biodiversity as only a few species can tolerate such harsh conditions. Alkaline conditions, on the other hand, can make the water uninhabitable by causing ammonia toxicity and hindering the nutrient uptake by plankton and other aquatic plants.
03

Explaining the concept of buffering capacity

However, some regions have a natural defense system, referred to as 'buffering capacity'. Buffering capacity is the ability of a body of water to resist changes in pH despite the addition of acidic or basic substances. This is often due to presence of materials like limestone and other alkaline substances in the surrounding land which neutralize the added acids or bases.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What impacts does air pollution have on human health? Give the three categories of impact, and distinguish among them.

Discuss ways in which the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 address the failures of previous legislation.

Describe the international efforts that are currently in place to protect our ozone shield. What evidence is there that such efforts have been effective?

How do CAIR and CSAPR address downwind ozone pollution?

What are the major secondary pollutants, and how are they formed?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Pollution

Read Explanation

Ecological Conservation

Read Explanation

Biological Resources

Read Explanation

Ecology Research

Read Explanation

Sustainability

Read Explanation

Environmental Policy

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free