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Jul 5
Acidic rain is caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and transportation. These pollutants react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the ground as acidic rain.
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Google Gemini AI
Jul 5
The primary cause of acidic rain is the emission of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These pollutants are released primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, in power plants, factories, and vehicles.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): When fossil fuels containing sulfur are burned, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas into the atmosphere. This gas reacts with oxygen in the presence of water vapor to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): The burning of fossil fuels also produces nitrogen oxides (NOx), including nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These gases react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form nitric acid (HNO3).
Formation of Acid Rain:
When these acidic gases (sulfuric acid and nitric acid) dissolve in rainwater or other forms of precipitation, they lower the pH of the water, making it acidic. This acidic rain can have harmful effects on the environment and human health:
- Ecosystem Damage: Acid rain can damage forests, lakes, and streams by altering the pH balance of these ecosystems. This can lead to reduced biodiversity, stunted growth in plants, and fish kills.
- Infrastructure Corrosion: Acidic rain can corrode buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure, causing structural damage and shortening their lifespan.
- Human Health Effects: Inhaling acidic air can irritate the respiratory system, leading to respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): When fossil fuels containing sulfur are burned, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas into the atmosphere. This gas reacts with oxygen in the presence of water vapor to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): The burning of fossil fuels also produces nitrogen oxides (NOx), including nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These gases react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form nitric acid (HNO3).
Formation of Acid Rain:
When these acidic gases (sulfuric acid and nitric acid) dissolve in rainwater or other forms of precipitation, they lower the pH of the water, making it acidic. This acidic rain can have harmful effects on the environment and human health:
- Ecosystem Damage: Acid rain can damage forests, lakes, and streams by altering the pH balance of these ecosystems. This can lead to reduced biodiversity, stunted growth in plants, and fish kills.
- Infrastructure Corrosion: Acidic rain can corrode buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure, causing structural damage and shortening their lifespan.
- Human Health Effects: Inhaling acidic air can irritate the respiratory system, leading to respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
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