Acidity

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-000305",
  "term": "Acidity",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The ability of a substance to lose a hydrogen ion or to accept an electron pair in a reaction.\n\n2. Acidity (pH) can range from 0-14 and is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline (basic) the water is. The pH of pure water is 7, and the normal range for pH in water systems is approximately 6.5 to 8.5. In general, water with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic, and with a pH greater than 7 is considered alkaline (or basic). It is normal for saltier waters (oceans and estuaries) to have a slightly higher pH than other waters such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands. Acidity (pH) outside a certain range (below 6.5 or above 8.5) can sicken or kill fish and other aquatic life. Highly acidic or alkaline water can also release pollutants from sediments that can further harm aquatic life. Acidity in waterways is influenced by rock and soils, as well as human sources such as industrial and car emissions, mining, and agricultural runoff.",
  "subject": "Water",
  "references": [
    "EPA EV-Chemical Substances-Chemical Properties",
    "How's My Waterway Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/acidity/"
}