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Liming to mitigate acidification in freshwater ecosystems: A review of the biological consequences

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Abstract

The use of lime to mitigate the biological effects of surface water acidification, has recently become a widespread practice. Following a background section on liming strategies and physico-chemical effects, the observed effects of this treatment on the decomposition process and major biological components of freshwater ecosystems are reviewed. Available studies, which cover up to about 6 to 8 yr post-treatment, describe many positive biological responses to liming. These include population expansion of acid-sensitive plant and animal species, and restoration of fisheries. However, no ecosystems have so far been returned to pre-acidification status, and possible reasons for this are discussed. The frequent persistence of acid episodes in limed waters may adversely affect some species. Reductions in available P and dissolved organic C may also be limiting factors, whilst precipitated metal hydroxides are potentially toxic. When physicochemical conditions are favorable, biological recovery may be restricted by other factors, including colonization rates and the reduced genetic diversity of small residual or founding populations. If the long-term ecological consequences of liming are to be predicted, further understanding of these limitations and the stability properties of aquatic communities is necessary.

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  1. Department of Applied Biology, University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology, King Edward VII Avenue, CF1 3XF, Cardiff, Wales

    N. S. Weatherley

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Weatherley, N.S. Liming to mitigate acidification in freshwater ecosystems: A review of the biological consequences. Water Air Soil Pollut 39, 421–437 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00279486

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