Scientists have been startled to discover unique ecosystems of fauna and flora thriving around highly acidic springs in far north Queensland.

Scientists have been startled to discover unique ecosystems of fauna and flora thriving around highly acidic springs in far north Queensland.

The springs have pH levels approaching those of the devastating acid rain that falls in industrialised areas of the northern hemisphere, say the researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ).
A team headed by Professor Craig Franklin discovered the naturally occurring acidic springs "which are believed to be unique in the world" along tributaries of the pristine Wenlock River, on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.
"The springs sit at the base of a bauxite plateau and it is fascinating to us as scientists that they pump out water that has a very low pH, is highly acidic, yet they are teeming with life," Professor Franklin said.
"It is very clear that the flora and fauna are related to that acidity, to that unique water composition."
The researchers have documented unique flora and fauna assemblages and described "essentially a new type of rainforest", or as it is known scientifically, a groundwater-dependent ecosystem.
Professor Franklin said the region was largely uncharted scientifically, and much research was needed to even start to explain how the flora and fauna could co-exist so successfully with the acidic water.
In north America, acid rain that is the result of industrial pollution has made some lakes so acidic they can no longer support native fish species.
In both America and Europe, acid rain has had negative effects on human health, damaged forests and soils, and killed insect and aquatic life forms.
"Life thriving amid this level of acidity is a new discovery to mankind and will be the focus of much research over coming years," Professor Franklin said.
Professor Franklin said the findings could provide important clues for industrialised countries in the northern hemisphere seeking ways of coping