Acidification - AP® Environmental Science Definition

What is acidification in environmental science?

In AP® Environmental Science, acidification refers to the process by which natural environments, such as soils and bodies of water, become more acidic due to increased concentrations of hydrogen ions (H⁺).

This is often caused by atmospheric pollution, particularly the release of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), which lead to acid deposition.

Ocean acidification, another key example, results from the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, lowering the pH of seawater and threatening marine ecosystems.

Acidification can have harmful effects on biodiversity, soil fertility, and aquatic life, making it a critical issue in environmental science.