Acid Deposition: Evidence for Impact on Local Ecosystems

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    Acid Deposition
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SUMMARY

The strongest evidence for acid deposition's impact on local ecosystems is the increase in the concentration of soluble heavy metals in a local pond, as indicated by option 4. Acid deposition can lead to the leaching of harmful metal ions such as aluminum (Al) and mercury (Hg) from the bedrock, which can be detrimental to aquatic life. Other options, such as increased photosynthesis due to nutrient influx or a sudden fish die-off, do not directly correlate with acid deposition in the early stages. The discussion concludes that while a sudden fish kill is a concern, it is less likely to be a direct result of initial acidification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid deposition and its environmental effects
  • Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and their responses to chemical changes
  • Familiarity with heavy metals and their ecological impacts
  • Basic principles of photosynthesis and nutrient cycling in aquatic environments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of acid deposition on freshwater ecosystems
  • Study the leaching processes of heavy metals in acidic conditions
  • Explore methods for measuring soluble heavy metal concentrations in water bodies
  • Investigate the relationship between nutrient runoff and aquatic plant growth
USEFUL FOR

Environmental scientists, ecologists, and anyone studying the impacts of acid deposition on local ecosystems will benefit from this discussion.

Soaring Crane
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Which of the following would be the strongest evidence in support of a scientist's contention that a local area was experiencing acid deposition?

1. An increase in the rate of photosynthesis of aquatic plants in a local lake
2. A sudden die-off of all the fish in a local stream
3. A gradual increase in temp. of local lake
4. Increase in concentration of soluable heavy metals in local pond

For some reason, I think the answer is 4. If the acid deposition is serious enough, organisms can die quite rapidly as a result of Al,Hg, or other metal ions from leaching in the bedrock, which can be acidic or neutral.

Is this wrong?

Thanks.
 
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Anyone? Please?

Thanks again.
 
I would have to agree with you, but let's check the other choices to possibly eliminate them. A: increased photosynthesis- the most likely explanation for this happening would be the influx of more nutrients to the system, ie. local use of fertilizer, livestock runoff, etc. This should effectively increase the overall amount of photosynthesis (maybe the rate too, I'm not sure about the kinetics of that process,orifthe question is even considering rate vs amount). B: sudden fish kill- it would take a lot of acid to kill off all the fish in a typical pond, probably more than would occurr in the early stages of acidification. C: temp increase- I can't see any potential relationship between acidification and temp. :bugeye: Which leaves "D", the increase of soluble metals. I still think I like that one the best. My next choice would be "B", but it seems less likely.
 

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