The effect of air pollution on lakes and rivers

The effect of air pollution on lakes and rivers

Air pollution has a direct and indirect influence on the water quality of lakes and rivers. This effect is often overlooked, since the focus of the discussion about air pollution is mainly on its direct effects on human health. The consequences are far -reaching and also affect our ecosystem. The pollutants that are released by the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes and other sources can affect the water surfaces and the surrounding vegetation, which affects the general condition of water and water.

Effect of air pollution on the water

Air pollution can affect lakes and rivers in a variety of ways. There are two main paths on which air pollutants get into watercourses: direct air deposits and atmospheric deposition.

direct air deposits

In particular, pollutants can diffuse directly from the atmosphere into the water via water surfaces. These are processes such as the excretion of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides through rain or snowfall, the effect of ozone on the water surface and the dry deposit of particles on the water.

atmospheric deposition

Atmospheric deposition refers to the deposit of air pollutants on the surface of the earth, which is then washed into the rivers and lakes by rain or irrigation. This process can also be carried out indirectly via the land surface, for example if nutrients and pollutants are deposited by the air in plants and floors and get into the water from there.

effects on the pH and acidity

The introduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides through industrial processes and the combustion of fossil fuels can lead to acidification of lakes and rivers. When these gases get into the atmosphere and react with water, they form sulfur and nitric acid, which are known as acidic rain.

acid rain

Saurer rain has a significant impact on fresh water ecosystems. Most fish and water insects cannot survive in acidic waters. In addition, important minerals that need water organisms to survive are rinsed out of the ground.

The reduction in the pH value of the water can also affect plant growth and lead to the death of aquatic plants, which in turn affects fish and other aquatic organisms that need these plants as food and habitat.

effects on water quality

In addition to the acidification of water, air pollutants can also affect other elements of water quality. Some of these effects include increased soil erosion, the pollution of the water with heavy metals and an increased algae blossom.

increased soil erosion

Nitrogen compounds from the diffusion of nitrogen oxides can change the pH of the soil and thus affect the growth of plants. The reduced plant growth can lead to increased soil erosion, which in turn leads to increased sedimentation in the waters.

pollution with heavy metals

Air pollution can also enter heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium in surface waters. These heavy metals can deposit in the sediments of the waters and lead to long -term contamination that can threaten the local ecosystems and human health.

increased algae flower

Some air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide, contribute to the over -fertilization of the watercourses and promote algae growth. An increased algae blossom can reduce visibility in the water, reduce the amount of oxygen in the water and reduce the water quality.

effects on waterfields

The effects of air pollution on water quality also have a direct impact on water creatures.

Impairment of habitats

The erosion and sedimentation caused by changed soil conditions can interfere with the habitats of aquatic organisms and threaten the survival of certain species. Erosion and sedimentation can also affect the growth of aquatic plants and thus change the habitats of fish and other aquatic animals.

toxicity of heavy metals

The deposition of heavy metals from air pollution can work toxic on aquatic organisms. Some of these metals can accumulate in the organisms and lead to health problems.

FAZIT

The effects of air pollution on lakes and rivers are complex and threatening. They affect not only the water quality and living conditions of the aquatic organisms, but also the human use of these water resources. A reduction in air pollution is therefore of crucial importance for the protection of our lakes and rivers. It is important that we better understand the effects of our actions on the environment and in particular on our watercourses and take measures to reduce their negative influence. Air pollution and its effects on water quality is a global problem that has to be solved through international efforts and cooperation. Remember that every little step we take to reduce air pollution can make a difference.