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Water What-ifs
Effects of pH Range on Aquatic Species
pH Effect on Aquatic Species 3.0-3.5
Unlikely that fish can survive for more than a few hours in this range although some plant and invertebrates can be found at pH levels this low.3.5-4.0
Known to be lethal to all salmonids.4.0-4.5
All fish, most frogs and insects are not present.4.5-5.0
Mayfly and many other insect species are not found. Most fish eggs will not hatch.5.0-5.5
Bottom-dwelling decomposing bacteria begin to die off. Leaf litter and dead plant and animal materials begin to accumulate. Plankton begin to disappear.6.0-6.5
Freshwater shrimp are not present.6.5-8.5
Optimal for most organisms.8.5-9.0
Unlikely to be harmful to fish, but indirect effects from chemical changes in the water may occur.9.0-10.5
Harmful to perch and salmonids if prolonged exposure.10.5-11.0
Prolonged exposure is lethal to carp and perch.11.0-11.5
Lethal to all species of fish.This information is taken in part from the LaMotte Company's, The Monitor's Handbook, 1992.
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