acidification monitoring programs

Acidification monitoring programs track changes in the pH levels of bodies of water, like lakes and oceans, to assess how much their acidity is increasing. This rise in acidity often results from pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from burning fossil fuels, which form acid rain. These programs involve collecting water samples regularly and analyzing them to detect pH changes over time. Monitoring helps scientists understand the impact of acidification on aquatic ecosystems, species health, and water quality, guiding policies to reduce pollutants and protect environmental health.