Acidification is the process by which an environment becomes more acidic. The most common cause of acidification is the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from burning fossil fuels, but other sources include industrial processes that use acids or produce them as a by-product. Acid rain results when these substances are released into the atmosphere and subsequently react with water droplets to form an acidic solution.
The effects of acidification vary depending on how much acidity is present in a given environment; however, generally speaking, it can lead to disruptions in natural ecosystems and damage aquatic life. In particular, it has been linked to declines in fish populations due to increases in toxic metals such as aluminum, cadmium and mercury being released from soils into surface waters. It can also alter soil chemistry and reduce species diversity among organisms living within affected habitats. Additionally, agricultural productivity may be reduced due to changes in soil chemistry caused by pH decreases resulting from increased concentrations of hydrogen ions (H+). Furthermore, some studies have shown that high levels of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with ocean acidification could create harmful conditions for coral reefs over time.
There have been numerous attempts around the world at reducing rates of acid deposition through emissions controls; however progress varies greatly between countries due to differences in economic resources available for pollution control measures as well as national priorities related to energy production versus environmental protection goals. As such, international collaboration will likely be required if significant reductions are going to be made on global scales for this issue moving forward into future generations.