Acid Rain: Causes, Effects and Remedies

Nadia Tokovic

Mr. Youell

Acid Rain

17 March 2015

Acid Rain: Causes, Effects and Remedies

According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, acid rain is a mix of wet and dry deposition from the atmosphere which contains higher than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. An acidic substance is one that has a pH of lower than 7, but as natural rainfall is slightly acidic (around 5.6 pH) the pH of acid rain drops below 5, as stated by epa.gov. Most of acid rain occurs from human activities, although it can also be caused by volcanic eruptions or rotting vegetation. Human-made power plants cause large amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides to be released into the atmosphere when burning fossil fuels, such as coal, in the process of electric power generation (See fig.1). Also, the exhaust coming from cars and other vehicles causes oxides and sulfur dioxide to be released into the air. These pollutants cause acid rain when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air causing a chemical reaction. The pollutants in the atmosphere then cause wet and dry deposition which comes down to the earth and water. (see fig. 2)

(Fig 1. power plant with harmful emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides)

(FIg 2. Diagram showing the formation and precipitation of acid rain)

Acid rain has many ecological effects. According to National Geographic, the greatest impact of acid rain is on aquatic environments such as: lakes, streams, and wetlands. Acid rain makes the water in these environments acidic and causes them to absorb aluminium. This makes water toxic and deadly to many aquatic animals therefore the food chain in the interconnected ecosystem is negatively impacted since it limits the amount of food (See fig. 3). In addition, acid rain greatly damages forests, especially trees located at higher elevations, and forest soils. Acid rain causes slower growth, injury, and the death of forests (see fig. 4). The leaves and needles of trees are harmed, and the aluminium which is released into the soil takes away essential nutrients from the soil which are needed for trees to take up water, which is needed for their life and growth.  It affects trees in such a way that they leave trees and plants less able to withstand harsh conditions such as : cold temperatures, insects and disease, and may affect the ability of reproduction in trees. Acid rain also contributes to and speeds up the destruction of many valuable properties of cultural heritage such as: buildings, statues and sculptures. And finally, the chemicals in the atmosphere which cause acid rain cause respiratory diseases in humans such as: chronic asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis and permanent lung damage.

(Fig 3. Death of fish in lake caused by acid rain)

(Fig 4. Forest damaged by acid rain)

The reduction of acid rain and therefore its harmful effects on natural habitats and our environment, as well as on human-made structure, is critical. In order to reduce acid rain, and therefore stop its harmful effects, the release of pollutants that cause it need to be restrained. This can be done by governments if laws in order to restrain the release of harmful pollutants are enforced. But there is another solutions to this: since the biggest cause of these pollutants to be release into the air is the burning of fossil fuels perhaps an alternative for fossil fuel can be used in order to make electricity. These alternative sources include: nuclear power, hydropower (see fig. 5), wind energy (see fig. 6), geothermal energy, and solar energy. In order to stop harmful emissions from cars, alternative energies can be used to power them. These energies include: natural gas, batteries, and fuel cells. However, both putting into use might not be in the power of every individual, however there is action that any person can take to decrease the amount of acid rain. By turning off lights and computers when they are not being used and, limiting use of electric appliances, using energy efficient appliances, decreasing the use of air conditioning and buying and using vehicles with low emissions of nitrogen oxides, we as individuals can help conserve energy, and therefore reduce the amount of acid rain. And finally all individuals can raise awareness about acid rain, its harmful effects, and ways that we can all help reduce it.

(fig 5. energy generated by hydropower)

(Fig 6. wind energy)

Over the last few decades the amount of acid rain has greatly risen, and it is of great importance for us all to take action and raise awareness about acid rain in order to reduce so that we can preserve our environment, ecosystems, and man-made structures which are damaged by it.