Acidification: meaning, definitions and examples
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acidification
[ˌæsədɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]
Definition
Context #1 | Noun
environmental science
Acidification refers to the process by which a substance becomes more acidic, often due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This phenomenon is significant in aquatic environments, where increased acidity can harm marine life and disrupt ecosystems.
Synonyms
acidity increase, decline in pH, souring.
Examples of usage
- Ocean acidification affects coral reefs.
- The acidification of lakes can kill fish species.
- Soil acidification can impact crop yields.
- Acidification from pollution is a global concern.
Interesting Facts
Environmental Science
- Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere lead to more CO2 being absorbed by oceans, causing their acidification.
- Acidification can harm marine life, especially creatures with shells like corals and oysters, making it hard for them to grow.
- Over the past century, ocean acidity has increased by about 30%, impacting aquatic ecosystems worldwide.
Etymology
- The term derives from the Latin word 'acidus', meaning sour or sharp, reflecting the sourness of acidic solutions.
- It was first used in a scientific sense in the early 20th century, highlighting the growing concern for environmental chemistry.
- The combination of 'acid' and 'fication' suggests a process, indicating something that makes something else more acidic.
Economics
- Fisheries and aquaculture businesses are directly affected by acidification, which can lead to significant economic losses.
- Regions heavily dependent on shellfish harvesting have seen declines in harvests due to changing water chemistry.
- The effects of acidification raise concerns over food security, particularly in coastal communities reliant on marine resources.
Policy and Conservation
- Governments and organizations are exploring regulations to limit CO2 emissions to combat acidification effects.
- International meetings like the Paris Agreement emphasize the importance of reducing greenhouse gases to protect oceans.
- Restoration projects for marine ecosystems often include measures to monitor or mitigate acidification impacts.
Public Awareness
- Acidification is often overshadowed by climate change, yet it is a critical issue affecting marine biodiversity.
- Educating the public about the impacts of everyday activities on ocean health is vital for conservation efforts.
- Awareness campaigns aim to connect individual actions, like reducing fossil fuel use, with global ocean health.