UK Waters Starting to Show Signs of Recovering from Acid Rain

Reports now show that the waters in the UK are starting to recover from the effects of acid rain. These new studies show that, after 20 years of working to reduce acidifying pollution, the efforts are finally paying off.

According to the Acid Water Monitoring Network, acidifying pollution used to be a major environmental concern in the UK. Acid rain is caused by burning fossil fuels, which release nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide into the air. This then mixes with water droplets to create nitric and sulphuric acid that then rains from the sky. This “acid” rain then falls into lakes, rivers and soil and creates a toxic environment for aquatic life and many other life forms.

Some figures show that the levels are finally starting to improve. However, the Acid Water Monitoring Network said that some areas still have no salmon or brown trout in their waters. Also, the recovery from the acid rain is likely to be hindered by climate change.

The environment minister, Lord Henley, said that this report demonstrates the opportunity people have to build on the success through forthcoming international agreements. These agreements will allow the country to return damaged rivers and lakes back to a healthy state. Fish, such as trout and salmon, will then be able to flourish in these areas.

Right now it is not yet known just how much longer it could take for lakes and rivers to return to normal. Some scientists are saying that it could take much longer than what people are expecting. Mostly this is, once again, due to climate change.