Harmful Effects of Acidic Water

Acid water, caused by acidic deposition, occurs when emissions of sulfur dioxide react with oxides of nitrogen along with water and oxygen, forming an acidic compound. The ecological effects of acid rain are seen most commonly in aquatic environments such as lakes, streams and rivers, but can also be seen in plant and animal life, including human life.

Harmful Effects on Plant Life

• Acidic water is harmful to plant life. The sulphur and nitric acid in acid rain strips away the nutrients in soil and washes them away. This contributes to the discoloration of plants and harms their ability to absorb water. Acid rain also inhibits plant reproduction and germination. Many plants are unable to survive through winter or storms because they have been weakened by acidic water.

Harmful Effects on Aquatic Life

• Acidic water increases the amount of aluminum and mercury in bodies of water. Because of the increase in aluminum there is often a significant decrease in the water's pH. The combination of high aluminum levels and low pH is toxic to many fish and other aquatic life. Even if the fish manage to survive the acid water, the chronic stress from the acidic environment leads to smaller and weaker fish, which have trouble surviving and reproducing.

Harmful Effects on Humans

• High levels of mercury found in fish exposed to acidic water may contribute to health problems in human beings. The lower production rate of plant life and smaller amounts of healthy fish and aquatic life can also affect human life, because of the decrease in healthy food available for human consumption. The full range of effects of acidic water on humans is still being researched.