Acidification: meaning, definitions and examples
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acidification
[ ˌæsədɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]
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.
Word origin
The term 'acidification' derives from the root word 'acid', which comes from the Latin 'acidus', meaning 'sour' or 'sharp'. The suffix '-fication' comes from the Latin 'facere', meaning 'to make' or 'to do', thus literally translating to 'the process of making sour or acid'. The word began to gain traction in the scientific community in the mid-20th century as concerns about environmental pollution and changes in ecosystems became more pronounced. Particularly, the influence of human activity on the acidity of oceans and freshwater bodies led to the formal usage of the term in ecological and environmental studies. Acidification became a crucial topic in discussions regarding climate change and its impacts on biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems.