Biotic Response To Acidification Of Lakes – A Review

Abstract

Acidification has far reaching environmental and ecological impacts. It brings change in the chemical, physical and biological composition of the environment and thereby affects the behavior and adaptation of the organisms in the changing environment. In this paper research articles published on acidification and its effect on the biota, with focus on high altitude lakes, are reviewed covering phytoplankton (diatoms), macrophytes, zooplankton, and benthic macro invertebrates. The areas considered in review highly affected by acidification are Scandinavia, Central Europe, Scotland, Canada, United States and Sweden. The specific causes of acidification, its problem and prospect in the high altitude Himalayan lakes with scope and the technique of the studies are also discussed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kuset.v8i1.6057 KUSET 2012; 8(1): 171-184