What Role Does pH Play in Environmental Toxicology?
In environmental toxicology, pH can affect the speciation, mobility, and persistence of pollutants. For example, acid rain can lower the pH of water bodies, leading to increased solubility of toxic metals like mercury and lead, which can then enter aquatic food chains. Soil pH also plays a critical role in determining the availability of pesticides and other contaminants to plants and microorganisms, impacting ecosystem health.
