pH8

** pH (aka, potential of Hydrogen) pH is the acidification of freshwater and can affect ecosystems' populations. In more detail, pH is a measure of the hydrogen ions of a solution; particularly water (a compound). There is a scale used to measure pH levels; it ranges from 0 to 14 units. (Pure water is exactly 7). The lower numbers indicate more acidity; higher numbers indicate basic solutions or compounds.

 *NOTE: Chuck Norris' teardrops are -5 on the scale; and they can also cure cancer!  pH can affect wildlife in very many ways. The amount of hydrogen in a body of water will determine what organisms live there. Acid rain is a primary factor in affecting water's pH levels. [|Effects of Acid rain] Most species can survive subtle changes in pH levels. But, there are some species of fish that cannot survive in high pH-level waters; likewise, there are species that can only survive in low pH-level water sources. Fish aren't the only affected organisms, however. Algae, plants, amphibians, crustaceans, and even animals who drink the water are affected by pH levels.

In fact, there are three other reasons that make Pennsylvania especially susceptible to acidification of water. **
 * Much of PA receives acid rainfall
 * The rocks in the water contain acidic materials
 * The coal mines produce acidic chemicals which go in water

Humans have built coal mines which produce harmful emissions, which in turn cause acid rain, causing pH levels to rise in water. Humans have also deposited waste into the waters, which can alter pH levels, depending on the contents. Most of the effects come from CO2, which is released into the atmosphere.

This is a kit used to measure pH levels in waters.