Effects of Acid Rain on Plants and Treesĭead or dying trees are a common sight in areas effected by acid rain. ![]() For example, frogs have a critical pH around 4, but the mayflies they eat are more sensitive and may not survive pH below 5.5. Even if a species of fish or animal can tolerate moderately acidic water, the animals or plants it eats might not. Generally, the young of most species are more sensitive to environmental conditions than adults. Others, however, are acid-sensitive and will be lost as the pH declines. Some types of plants and animals are able to tolerate acidic waters and moderate amounts of aluminum. The more acid that is introduced to the ecosystem, the more aluminum is released. As it flows through the soil, acidic rain water can leach aluminum from soil clay particles and then flow into streams and lakes. The ecological effects of acid rain are most clearly seen in aquatic environments, such as streams, lakes, and marshes where it can be harmful to fish and other wildlife. Effects of Acid Rain on Fish and Wildlife ![]() If something harms one part of an ecosystem – one species of plant or animal, the soil or the water – it can have an impact on everything else. Not all fish, shellfish, or the insects that they eat can tolerate the same amount of acid.Īn ecosystem is a community of plants, animals and other organisms along with their environment including the air, water and soil. This figure illustrates the pH level at which key organisms may be lost as their environment becomes more acidic.
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