okysliování

Okysliování, also known as acidification, refers to the process by which the pH of a solution decreases, becoming more acidic. This is typically caused by the addition of acidic substances or by chemical reactions that produce hydrogen ions. In a broader context, okysliování can also refer to the decrease in pH of natural environments, such as oceans, lakes, and soils.

Ocean acidification is a significant environmental concern, primarily driven by the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into seawater. When CO2 dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid, which then dissociates, releasing hydrogen ions and lowering the pH. This process can have detrimental effects on marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to build shells and skeletons, such as corals, shellfish, and plankton. The increased acidity can make it harder for these organisms to calcify and can even dissolve existing structures.

Similarly, terrestrial soils can become acidified through natural processes like the decomposition of organic matter and the leaching of basic cations, or through anthropogenic activities such as acid rain, which results from atmospheric pollution. Soil acidification can affect plant growth by altering nutrient availability and increasing the solubility of toxic elements like aluminum. Management strategies for okysliování in both marine and terrestrial systems often involve reducing the sources of acidity, such as lowering greenhouse gas emissions or applying liming agents to neutralize excess acidity in soils.