Changing river chemistry affects Eastern US water supplies
Appalachian mountain streams like this one in Western Maryland are especially vulnerable to the effects of accelerated chemical weathering because of carbon-rich surface rocks, steep slopes that promote erosion, and extensive impacts from acid rain and acidic mining runoff. (Credit: Sujay S. Kaushal) - August 26th, 2013
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SUMMARY - Human activities makes the acid levels in rain, soil, and water increase. Also changing the basic chemistry of many rivers in the Eastern US. 2/3 of the rivers had become significantly more alkaline and none had become more acidic over time spans of 25-60 years. Alkalinity can cause ammonia toxicity and algal blooms. Altering water quality and harming aquatic life. By-product of fossil fuel burning, acidic mining runoff and agricultural fertilizers speed up the dissolving of surfaces that are naturally high in alkaline minerals. chemical weathering, the acid eats away at limestone, other carbonate rocks, and even concrete sidewalks, dissolving alkaline particles that wash off into streams and rivers. |
REFLECTION
- Higher levels acid in rain, soil and water caused by human activity. The chemical weathering of these carbonate rocks adds to the carbon burden in rivers and streams, in a trend that parallel rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Through all those, you can see our activities not only effect to the water, but also to the atmosphere, soils, rocks, etc.
Burning fossils fuels, coals create the highest amount of CO2. We should do something to decrease C02 as much as possible, but what should we do? We shouldn't use too much hair dryer, computers, electricity, toxic products. Also, for teenagers, who should go out and join voluntary club to help cleaning trash in the beach, rivers, or streams. Now it's our turn to make a change, do something to save our life.
- Higher levels acid in rain, soil and water caused by human activity. The chemical weathering of these carbonate rocks adds to the carbon burden in rivers and streams, in a trend that parallel rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Through all those, you can see our activities not only effect to the water, but also to the atmosphere, soils, rocks, etc.
Burning fossils fuels, coals create the highest amount of CO2. We should do something to decrease C02 as much as possible, but what should we do? We shouldn't use too much hair dryer, computers, electricity, toxic products. Also, for teenagers, who should go out and join voluntary club to help cleaning trash in the beach, rivers, or streams. Now it's our turn to make a change, do something to save our life.