Gewässerentsäuerung

Gewässerentsäuerung refers to the process of reducing the acidity of water bodies, primarily lakes and rivers. This problem is often caused by acid rain, which results from the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels. When these pollutants mix with water in the atmosphere, they form sulfuric and nitric acids, which then fall to the earth as precipitation.

The acidification of lakes and rivers can have severe ecological consequences. It can lead to the death of fish, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms, as many species are sensitive to changes in pH. The food webs within these ecosystems can be disrupted, impacting biodiversity. In addition to the direct effects on aquatic life, acidified water can also leach toxic metals, such as aluminum, from the surrounding soil, further harming aquatic organisms and potentially contaminating drinking water sources.

Efforts to combat Gewässerentsäuerung focus on reducing the emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides at their source. This includes measures like installing scrubbers in power plants, using cleaner fuels, and improving vehicle emission controls. Once a water body has become acidified, liming is a common remediation technique. This involves adding alkaline substances, such as limestone or lime, to the water to neutralize the acidity and raise the pH to a level that can support aquatic life. Monitoring the pH of water bodies is crucial to track the effectiveness of these measures and to identify areas requiring intervention.