Spanish River Acidity Levels Normal
An acidity level sampling study conducted on the Spanish River throughout the Year 2000 confirmed that our river is healthy!
The following study results produced by Doctor Douglas Craig">
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Spanish River Acidity Levels Normal An acidity level sampling study conducted on the Spanish River throughout the Year 2000 confirmed that our river is healthy! The following study results produced by Doctor Douglas Craig, an environmental scientist with Domtar Inc. of Espanola, Ontario, explains the importance of a good acid alcaline balance in the water. Acidity of Lakes and Watercourses Many bodies of water in Canada have to some extent a natural acidity. But in recent decades, pollution and other factors have led to increasing acidity in many sensitive lakes and watercourses. The portion of acidification resulting from human activities can be estimated by comparing water’s present alkalinity with that of pre-industrial times. Prior to industrialization, the majority of Canadian lakes and watercourses were only slightly acidic, with pH values around 6.5 or less. But during the 20th century, acid levels have increased significantly in many bodies of water. The acidity of water has a great influence on aquatic organisms, since it affects the balance of chemical substances, as well as exchanges of those substances between the habitats of the organisms and the surrounding environment. Acidity also has indirect biological effects, through its influence on the chemical form of many trace metal ions. Metals are significantly more soluble in acidic water. In general, acidification leads to a decline in the number of aquatic plant
and animal species. Acid-sensitive benthic animals such as snails and mussels
begin to decrease in number as soon as pH values drop to around 6. At still
lower pH values, sensitive fish species such as roach and trout begin to
disappear; and lakes with pH values around 4.5 can be completely devoid of fish. Assessment of Current Conditions in the Spanish River
Reference pH values
The lower limit of class 3 leaves room for the sharp rises in acidity that may briefly occur in lakes and running water during the spring flood (acid surge). Note that the pH in the Spanish River does dip slightly in the early spring during the runoff. In smaller water bodies, "acid shocks" during the spring flood may have significant biological effects, even though the buffer capacity during the rest of the year is good or very good. For such bodies of water, a proper assessment of acid conditions requires a more intense investigation of both water chemistry and biological aspects. Dr. Craig stated, "A great deal of work has been done by industry, governments and the public to help restore the Spanish River to good health. This study is another indication that our combined efforts are working!" |
