Acid Deposition on Ecosystems

Limestone

• marine life during Paleozoic era lead to immense sedimentary layres of limestone across Alberta

• results in dissociated carbonate ions, CO3² (basic)

• lakes are normally slightly alkaline

• soil that has a high potential for neutralizing acids (not incredibly sensitive to acid deposition)

Buffering & Buffering Capacity

• neuralization of acids by CO3² (example: present in soil)

• chemical systems that resist a change in pH (small amounts)

Low pH in the Environent

• acid rain (<5.6) directly damages plant tissues and structures

• deviates from optimal soil pH levels reduces plant’s ability to grow by reducing its ability to absorb nutrients through roots

• leaching of metals can effect plants and soils

  • decrease in growth of roots (preventing absorption of calcium)

  • reduction in soil bacterial

HCO3 - HCO3

• example of a buffering formula