John Flesher.(2022, December 19).Scientists: Atmospheric carbon might turn lakes more acidic.Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2022-12-scientists-atmospheric-carbon-lakes-acidic.html
New studies have shown that the great lakes may be getting more acidic, affecting the ecosystems that depend on them. To track this, scientists are setting up a sencor network which would track the chemistry trends of the lakes, tracking the amounts of CO2 as well as the pH levels. Our oceans are also becoming more acidic as our emissions continue to rise meaning the ocean continues to suck more in. This new acidic level doesnt make the water unsafe to swin in or drink, however if this trend continues, the long term effects may mean the water would become unsafe. Scientists believe that the rate at which even freshwater pH rises that oceans pH and the Great Lakes pH would be the same by the year 2100. The sensors now being a large part in keeping a tab on the pH levels are a key contributor to helping scientists figure out how they can reduce the pH levels and stop the rise in acidity.
This article shows the steps scientists are taking to help slow the rate at which our water’s pH levels rise. It also talks about how the inrtodiction to new technology has greatly assisted us in tracking CO2 in the waters. The sensors we are using seem to be a great way to constantly monitor our waters and make me feel much more confident in our efforts. Truthfully, no matter how much we monitor the waters and try to find solutions to fixing the pH, the only thing we can really do is to stop emitting so much CO2 which is then pulled into our water. Water is crucial to our survival and if it becomes unusable, our society would fall.
I agree with your opinion that the only solution truly and the fastest one would be to stop polluting CO2. I also think that it’s interesting though that they are raising steadily with not many fluctuations. What can be done other than stopping CO2 pollution?
This is extremely depressing to consider, thinking about a future in which people can’t swim in lakes. This should serve as a motivation for corporations to cut their carbon usage, but other motivations need to push them towards this as well. What other emissions contribute to acidity in lakes and precipitation and how can we slow these from being emitted?
It is true that keeping track of the water’s pH is important, although it is a little sad when it seems there’s not much we can do about it on an individual level. Although I definitely hope it doesn’t happen, I wonder if there’s some sort of wetsuit that humans could wear to swim in such acidic water? It seems like such a science fiction situation, but if we don’t make changes it could happen.