Acidic lakes found near volcanic areas or mining sites, have much lower pH levels due to their unique chemical conditions. Despite their harsh environments, scientists have discovered resilient organisms thriving in these lakes.
The normal pH of a lake or any body of water with signs of life is typically around 6.5 to 8.5. However, there are lakes scattered around the world with much lower pH levels, known as acidic lakes. These lakes are often found near volcanic areas or mining sites and possess unique chemical conditions that set them apart from most other bodies of water. While one might expect such lakes to be devoid of life, scientists, upon closer examination, have uncovered the remarkable resilience of life even in these harsh conditions. This article is going to explore how these lakes are created, the organisms that inhabit these lakes and what this discovery could mean for science
Key Words
- Acidic lakes
- pH levels
- Adaption
- Extremophiles
- Chemosynthesis
Formation
The acidity of lake water can be influenced by both natural processes and human activities. One natural cause is the release of gases, like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, from within the Earth’s crust. These gases are produced during the combustion processes occurring in the Earth’s crust and upper mantle. When volcanic activity releases these gases into the atmosphere, they dissolve in water, forming sulfuric and carbonic acids. These acids lower the over all pH of water. Consequently, lakes located near volcanoes or tectonic plate boundaries frequently develop highly acidic conditions.
Industrialization from over-extraction from mines may also unnaturally create these lakes. Coal or metal ores mining operations expose sulfur-bearing rocks to air and water. When the sulfur reacts with oxygen it produces sulfuric acid. The acid may run off to nearby lakes or streams thereby altering the pH of the lakes.
Organisms
There are unique organisms that are known as extremophiles, that adapted to survive in these extreme conditions. Extremophiles are found in all domains of life including bacteria, eukarya and archaea. In this specific case, the extremophiles living in acidic lakes are more specifically classified as acidophiles. These organisms often rely on chemosynthesis to produce energy. Chemosynthesis is a process in which organisms convert carbon dioxide and other inorganic substances into organic matter. This ability allows organisms in extreme environments to generate energy for growth and reproduction without relying on sunlight.
Significance
This discovery allowed scientists to gain depth on how chemosynthesis worked. It reveales how organisms can still strive in locations where there is no sunlight or even organic matter. This adaptability also widens the possibility of how life may exist in various habitats, including extraterrestrial ones.
