What ecological damage can result from poor air quality?

Poor air quality can lead to significant damage to aquatic ecosystems primarily through the deposition of air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, which can cause acid rain. When these pollutants accumulate in water bodies, they alter the pH levels of the water, affecting aquatic plants and animals. Fish and other organisms are sensitive to changes in pH and may struggle to survive in more acidic conditions, leading to reduced biodiversity and disrupted food chains within these ecosystems. Additionally, these pollutants can contribute to nutrient over-enrichment, which can lead to harmful algal blooms that further degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.

In contrast, increased crop yields and enhanced soil nutrition are typically linked to healthy environmental conditions and do not stem from poor air quality. Likewise, while poor air quality can contribute to stress in animal populations, the most direct and significant ecological impact is observed in aquatic environments where pollutants can alter critical conditions for survival.