The measure of the ratio that exists between these the H+ ion and the OH- ion that make up each molecule of water, in any sample of water is called its pH. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14.
Pure water is neutral and has a pH of 7. It contains the same number of negative and positive ions. If water contains more H+ ions, it is considered acidic and will have a pH lower than 7. If it contains more OH ions than H+ ions, it is basic and will have a pH value greater than 7.
Fish need water that is near the middle of the pH scale to survive. For example, salmon need water with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0 for full productivity.
Increased amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and sulfur oxides are being released into the atmosphere by automobile exhaust and by the burning of fossil fuels. These emissions are converted to acids in the atmosphere and fall as acid rain or acid snow. Periods of high water caused by melting acidic snow may rapidly decrease the pH in streams.
Pure water is neutral and has a pH of 7. It contains the same number of negative and positive ions. If water contains more H+ ions, it is considered acidic and will have a pH lower than 7. If it contains more OH ions than H+ ions, it is basic and will have a pH value greater than 7.
Fish need water that is near the middle of the pH scale to survive. For example, salmon need water with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0 for full productivity.
Increased amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and sulfur oxides are being released into the atmosphere by automobile exhaust and by the burning of fossil fuels. These emissions are converted to acids in the atmosphere and fall as acid rain or acid snow. Periods of high water caused by melting acidic snow may rapidly decrease the pH in streams.
The graph to the left shows the pH measurements from 10 Bay of Islands sites in the years 2005 & 2006.
The data used to generate the graph was collected in the Fall season of 2005 & 2006.
A copy of the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet containing the data used to generate the graph may be downloaded here.
The data used to generate the graph was collected in the Fall season of 2005 & 2006.
A copy of the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet containing the data used to generate the graph may be downloaded here.
Environmental Education - Science & Research - Community Engagement
Initiative Supported By
ACAP Humber Arm Environmental Association Inc.
P.O. Box 564, Corner Brook, NL, Canada, A2H 6E6
P.O. Box 564, Corner Brook, NL, Canada, A2H 6E6