Acid Rain Research Essay

Acid Rain Research Essay
Acid rain is rain that has become acidic, because of air pollutants in the atmosphere. Rain has a normal pH level of around 5–5.5 which is only slightly
acidic. 7 on the pH scale is the neutral and anything below that is considered acidic. Acid rain has a pH level around 4 which is 10 times more
acidic. Acid rain can fall in many different ways and has many effects on the environment. Acid rain is caused by air pollutants in the atmosphere.
These air pollutants are mainly from man made resources such as factories and automobiles. The burning of fossil fuels is also one of the biggest
factors that pollutes the air and causes acid rain. The primary emissions from man made resources are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The rain
...show more content...
Acid rain can weaken a tree or plant's natural defenses. It harms the soil and all organisms that need it to survive because it takes away important soil
nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. When a tree's defenses are down, it makes them more susceptible to diseases and pests. Acid rain can also
deposit nitrates. Nitrogen runoff can cause eutrophication. Eutrophication is when runoff nitrogen goes into an ocean ecosystem and causes algae to
grow quicker. This is called an algal bloom and it blocks sunlight from getting to the plants causing a "dead zone." This means no organisms will be
able to live there anymore. Finally, acid rain can cause the wearing away or deterioration of buildings and many other things built of stone. It does not
affect humans directly. It does however harm them because of the two main chemicals involved, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. When inhaled,
they have been shown to cause some illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. Some organisms are more damaged by acid rain than others, but most
organisms are harmed when there are high concentrations of acid rain in the area/ecosystem they live in. Acid rain can harm an environment and
humans negatively and has several effects on the Earth. Many places around the world have been affected by acid rain. 3 main places are eastern
Europe and eastern United States along with some areas of China and Taiwan. In many places where there have been great effects
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Essay on Acid Rain and its Impact
Rain is a major component of the water cycle as it is held responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on Earth. (EPA USA, 2014) It not only
provides suitable conditions for various ecosystems, but also provides water for hydroelectric power plants and crop irrigation. (Andrei, 2012)
However, since the start of industrialization in the 18th century, humans have been abusing such important features of life and created acid
deposition. (The Ledger, 2014) The pH scale is composed of values starting from zero, the most acidic, to 14.0, the most alkaline. (EPA USA, 2014)
While regular rain has a pH value of around 5.6, acid rain has a pH value of around 4.0. The highest level of acidity of rain ever recorded was identical
to the...show more content...
(Andrei, 2012) Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a group of highly reactive gasses that is mainly produced from emissions caused by fossil combustions, mainly
smelting. (Dowdey, 2011) Smelting is a process used to separate a metal from the ore to high temperatures. The gas phasesulfur dioxide becomes
oxidized by reaction with the hydroxyl, yields an intermolecular reaction, ultimately forming sulfuric acid. Acid rain is well known for its unsettling
ability to erase and corrode stone and metal, including ancient artifacts. (Dowdey, 2010) This is due to the sulfuric and nitric acid chemically
reacting with calcium carbonate to create gypsum. Gypsum (CaSO42H2O) is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dehydrate, which
eventually flakes off. (U.S. Department of State, 2007) In the end the structure's original smooth surfaces gets left with irregular patterns. Acid rain
also impacts other natural substances such as the limestone. Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock that reacts easily with acid. (National
Geographic, 2006) This is because limestone is mostly composed of mineral calcium carbonate, which is not very soluble. (CaCO3). Because of this,
the rock will dissolve but the process will be largely gradual. But with the addition of an acid, hydrogen ions (H+) will be added. This will cause the
reaction with the carbonate to form hydrogen carbonate (HCO3– ions) which are very soluble in water, and the limestone will dissolve.

Acid Rain And Its Impact On The Environment
Acid Rain and Its Impact on the Environment
Jason A. Flores
Environmental Science 101
Farmer
MSJC/Beaumont High School
December 19, 2016
Introduction
Acid rain, according to the EPA, is any form of precipitation such as rain, fog, sleet, snow, hail, or even dust that contains acidic components (2016). It
can also be called "acid deposition" and will usually contain compounds such as sulfuric or nitric acid in their wet or dry forms. While acid rain
might not have an immediate apocalyptic effect on the various life forms of Earth, its impact can very well be lethal over time. This dangerous rain
may occur anywhere and everywhere on Earth; however, its most drastic ecological damage can be in aquatic and forest systems. Some fish and other
aquatic life have adapted over time, yet the plants that these animals thrive on may not have the same advantages (epa.gov, 2016). Forests have not
shared the same optimistic outlook that some of the aquatic systems have had. Experimaental procedures and testing is currently in place, but at this
point in time, we cannot permanently reverse the environmental damage that has been done by this type of rain. The only option is to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions to ensure cleaner, healthier rain for the Earth.
Acidic Deposition
Aquatics
According to the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (2014), pure rain has a pH of about 5.6 while most acid deposition boasts a lower pH of
4.2 to 4.7. If scientists notice a significant

Acid Rain's Effects on the Environment Essay
Acid Rain's Effects on the Environment
Acid rain causes damage to limestone bulidings. Scientists are concerned that increased air pollution may cause an increase in the concentration of acid
in the rain. If this is the case then it would increase the damage done to limestone bulidings.
Acid rain is caused when we burn fuels. When we burn these fuels we make a gas called sulphur dioxide. This gas goes into the air. The sulphur
dioxide reacts with the oxygen and then dissolves inot droplets of rain. This then makes an acid called sulphuric acid. Eventually, the acidic droplets in
the clouds fall as rain.
When acid reacts with limestone the acid eats away at the limestone.
e.g limestone...show more content...
I will then get a boiling tube and a delivery tube with a cork at the end of it. The boiling tube will stand in a tube stand. I will put the end of the
delivery tube down under water and up into the cylinder. I will fill the boiling tube up with different concentrations of hydrochloric acid. I then get a
stop clock. Next, I measure out 5g of limestone. I put the limestone into the boiling tube and put the cork and stop clock on straight away. I will then
time how long it takes to get to the hundred mark on the measuring cylinder.
Equipment Used
В· Measuring cylinder
В· Clamp
В· Clamp stand
В· Boiling tube

В· Plastic box
В· Stop clock
В· Delivery tube (with cork)
Chemicals Used
В· Hydrochloric acid (different concentrations)
Safety
В· If you have long hair then tie it back
В· It is essential to wear goggles
В· If you get a corrosive or dangerous chemical on you then rinse it off straight away.
Fair Test
To make it a fair test we only need to change one thing. That is the concentrations of Hydrochloric acid. Everything else will has to be kept the same
or it wont be a fair test and could cause odd results. The factors I will not change are:–
В· the volume of water in the measuring cylinder
В· mass of limestone
В· size of limestone pieces
В· temperature
I will also do

Acid Rain Essay
In describing acid precipitation pollutant chosen it is more commonly known as acid rain representing a form of secondary pollution (EB,2013).
Nitrogen and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere reacting to water and other components forming acids (EB, 2013). Acid rain refers to
two different processes that enable the acid suspended in the atmosphere to deposit on the Earth's surface water dries (EB, 2013). Wet acid
decomposition fades to the Earth's surface when it rains snows or fogs (EB, 2013). The dry acid deposition occurs when the acid particles drop to the
Earth's surface as gas or a particulate form (EB, 2013). Acid decompositions and precipitation aren't constrained by international boundaries (EB, 2013).
Many nations use fossil fuel do not have the legislation in place of air pollution limiting meaning that can contributes to the acid deposition and
precipitation both locally and in other countries (EB, 2013). The Nations that haven't' taken any. Consideration of limiting air pollution resulting acid
deposition that will affect the global environment (EB, 2013). Once the acid compounds are released they are deposited into the soil and bodies of
water increasing the acidity resources (EB,2013). Acid water is not potable for humans (EB, 2013). Acid precipitation is both point and non–point
pollution. The point pollutions of is from factories and the non–point the acid rain makes water more acidic and release aluminum can be toxic to fish
(Acosta,

Persuasive Essay On Acid Rain
It's been 3 months since the acid rain has started. The year is 2022 where humans have become so careless that they allowed toxins into water
making this dangerous substance. It is almost like a battlefield if you go running through the rain. At first, you will notice sudden, sporadic pain
that that will slowly go through your body if you only contact with it for 5 minutes. The pain will go away in a couple of hours if you don't have
contact with the rain. The second stage is when you start seeing burns in your body. They become scars that will never go away unlike my dreams
and hopes. The third and final stage is paralysis and possible death. It is mustard gas. The properties are so similar that people sometimes called it
"mustard rain"....show more content...
My feelings are closely related to this. I placed the flowers and wept silently of his death. I came back home with a burn in my leg and come back
seeing my dear mother who slaves away everyday to only bring a small morsel of food. The food is a collection of near–expired potatoes and water. I
feel the starving, but shamed to say anything of the screams of the crying baby. I go to the computer to see it crash over and over just to do a
simple task. I finally quit, and lay down to my hay mattress remembering the comfy bed dad bought me which we sold to pay our fiancГ©s. Our
good life has gone downhill and now is stuck at the middle of the two valleys, never to come up without dogged persistence and force. Even if you
surpass the steep hill, you must maintain where you are. It's no use in our position. Tomorrow is a long school day. We are now applying for our
military applications. There is a small line for those who reject. If I object, I'll be sent to a dirty, rusty building to manufacture bombs and nukes. If
I pass, I'll have to hold a burden for my baby sister. In both ways, I'll be going against my dad and my beliefs. Dad was forced to the military. He was
beaten and dragged there even though violence wouldn't solve his problems. This is the symbol our

Essay on Acid Rain
What is Acid Rain?
Acid rain is a form of precipitation that falls to the earth as rain. For rain to be acidic it has a pH level of less than 5.6. The corrosive nature of acid
rain causes widespread damage to the environment. The problem begins with the production of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from the burning of
fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, oil and other kinds of manufacturing. When these pollutants are in the air, they react with water and other
chemicals, to form sulfuric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid and other pollutants. Once these pollutants are in the air, they can travel for many miles, and
when rain clouds get to heavy to hold all the moisture they drop their deadly load of chemicals onto the earth in a...show more content...
Effects of Acid Rain
When looking at the effects of acid rain there is a scale on with scientists use. The pH scale has units from 0 – 14. Acidic substances have a pH number
from 1 to 6, the lower the number the higher the corrosiveness. Alkalis are bases and are nonacidic substances and they have pH values for 8 to 14,
the higher the value the higher the alkalinity. Pure water has a neutral pH of 7 and it is neither an acid nor a base. Rain, snow, hail etc with a pH
value below 5.6 is considered acid rain. If there is a high acid and high bases are in the air, they mix and form normal rain when they fall to earth.
This is a normal occurrence in nature. When rain falls with a pH near 5.6 the alkaline chemicals in the environment, found in rocks, soil etc absorb and
neutralize this acidic rain. If rainfalls with a pH lower then 5.6, the environment is unable to neutralize the acid rain. When this rainfalls it damages
whole ecosystems and even destroys man made structures.
Effects on Soil
When acid rain reaches the soil it washes away all the important nutrients that plants need to survive on. It also dissolves small quantities of aluminum
and mercury that are present in the soil. Once the toxics are freed they are either flushed into the water systems or absorbed into plants causing drastic
affects if eaten by humans. In some places the soil may be high in

Acid Rain Essay
Acid Rain
Acid rain is polluted rain. The pollutants go up to the atmosphere and when it rains it brings the pollution down with it. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
oxide are the gases that form the acid rain. When these gases mix with moisture it can make rain, snow, hail, or even fog. The scientific term for acid
rain is acid deposition which means when the acid is taken from the air and is deposited on the earth. Major industries, coal burning factories, power
plants and automoble engines are the main sources of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide which caues acid rain. Volcaneoes and forest fires also causes
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Some of the many problems that come from acid rain is the killing of of many plants and...show more content...
These soils are called alkaline soil, also called a base. In 1838 the German chemist Justus von Liebig offered the first really useful definition of an acid,
namely, a compound containing hydrogen that can react with a metal to produce hydrogen gas.
Soil is formed when rocks are broken up by the weather and erosion and mixed with organic matter from plants and animals. The term soil generally
refers to the loose surface of the Earth, made from solid rock. To the farmer, soil is the natural medium for growth of all land plants. The rocks that
make up soil could be acid, neutral, or alkaline, another name for a base. Limestone and chalk are rocks that are formed from tiny shells that are rich
in calcium.
Alkaline is made up of calcium. When acid rain falls on alkaine soil the calcium makes the acid become weaker or neutralize. Farmers put lime (a
very strong alkaine substance) and special fertilzers in there soil netralize the acid in the soil on a regular daily basis.
In general, soil structure is classified as sandy, clay, or loam, although most garden soils are mixtures of the three in varying proportions. A sandy
soil is very loose and will not hold water. A clay soil is dense and heavy, sticky when wet, and almost brickhard when dry. Loam is a mixture of sand
and clay soils, but it also contains large quantities of humus, or decayed organic material, which

Hypothesis Of Acid Rain
Objective:
What is the effect of acid rain have on the growth of radish seeds?
Hypothesis:
The seeds that are not in acid rain will germinate more because the acid rain will cause most of the seeds to not germinate because the acid will burn
the chemical the seed needs to germinate
Materials
Diluted Sulfuric Acid
(Acid Rain)
Normal Rain
60 Radish Seed
Glass marking pencil
Masking tape
2 petri dishes
Sponges (2)
Graduated cylinder
Procedure:
Label the petri dishes with "regular" and "acid".
Place a sponge in each petri dish.
Pour 30 mL of water in the petri dish labeled "water" and 30 mL of the diluted sulfuric acid into the petri dish labeled "Acid Rain".
Evenly space 30 radish seeds on the sponges in each petri dish.
Seal the petri dishes securely with the masking tape, and the place them under the the sun.
Data/Observations:
Effect of Acid Rain Radish Seeds
Group

Light
Acid
Observation
1
30
25
2
29
22
3
27
16
Acid was a darker green
4
25
12
More leaves on the acid plants
5
24
17
6
25
19
Acid was a darker green
7
26
22
8
18
19

Average
25.5
19
Graph
Conclusion:
The experiment was done to see how acid rain affects seed germination. The experiment was done with 60 radish seeds, sulfidic acid, and water.We
put 30 seeds in a petri dish with a sponge that is soaked in sulfuric acid and we put the other 30 seeds in another petri dish with a sponge that is

Argumentative Essay On Acid Rain
Air Quality Did you know that acid rain is not good for plants, animals, and humans? Acid rain is a form of air pollution defined by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency as "rain that has been made acidic by certain pollutants in the air". Acid rain is made mostly from factories, car
exhaust and pollution that release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the Did you know that acid rain is not good for plants, animals, and humans?
Acid rain is a form of air pollution defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as "rain that has been made acidic by certain pollutants
in the air". Acid rain is made mostly from factories, car exhaust and pollution that release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into theair. Acidity
refers to the levels of acid in substances such as water and soil as measured on a pH scale. Clean rain has an acidity of 5.6 which is slightly acidic,
and acid rain has a pH of 4.5 which is highly acidic. You might wonder, what's the big deal? Acid rain kills plants therefore killing other links in
various food webs around the world. Acid rain has a big effect on plant growth. Plants need water to survive and plants need water to live. Plants
absorb water by their roots that is called osmosis. Acid rain affects plants because plants need water and when the roots take in the acid rain the plant
can not keep on growing because they need water they need a PH of 5.6 not a PH of 4. Think of it like the plants are getting posend and if

Essay On Acid Rain
Introduction Polluted rain is called acid rain. Some acids are helpful. We have acid in our stomachs to break down and digest food. We use vinegar,
an acid, to pickle cucumbers. Acids like these help us. But, acids can also be harmful. If there is too much acid in garden soil, plants will not grow.
Some acids will burn your skin. Acid rain is harmful rain. When it falls on living things–plants, animals and people–it can harm or kill them. Leaves
burned by acid rain cannot make oxygen or collect carbon dioxide needed for photosynthesis.
A Definition of acid rain Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes...show more content...
2NO2(g)+H2O (l)пѓ HNO2 (aq)+HNO3 (aq).
The impact of acid rain on human life.
SO2 & NOX gases turn in to particles that can be inhaled deep into peoples' lungs. Acid rain can harm people indirectly. This happens when people
eat fish caught in affected lakes or rivers. When we breathe in air pollution, these very fine particulates can easily enter our body, where they can cause
breathing problems, and over time even cause cancer. Water we drink from taps can be contaminated by acid rain, which can damage the brain. The
impact on human activity.
Acid rain can have terrible effects on a forest. The acid takes away important minerals from the leaves and the soil.
Minerals are like vitamins for trees and plants. Without them, trees and plants properly cannot grow. They will lose their leaves and become very
weak. They are no longer strong enough to fight against illnesses and frost.
Some soils are alkaline, when acid rain falls on them the acid becomes neutral. Plants and trees living on these soils are not in any big danger. Figure 3
The impact on the natural environment including oceans and atmosphere. Acid rain has a terrible affect on water life. Even if the acid rain does not
fall straight into the lake, for example, it may enter from rivers and streams. Some of the life in the lake such as fish and plants may end up dying,
because they cannot survive in acidic lakes. Thousands of lakes in Scandinavia have no more life

Reducing Impact on Acid Rain
Environmental Science Acid rain can cause reproductive defects on fish and other aquatic life. It can destroy aquatic ecosystems, leaving only a
clear, but empty body of water. Acid rain was a problem in 1980, and steps were taken in order to fix it, and since then, air quality improved and
will continue to improve as more and more steps are taken to control pollution. Modern technologies such as a cars, power plants, and factories
consume fossil fuels in order to run. By consuming fossil fuels, cars, power plants, and factories release harmful gases into the air. These harmful
gases then react with water droplets in the clouds to produce nitric and sulfuric acids, which turns normal precipitation into acid precipitation. Factories
have many purposes. Some factories work with food, and others manufacture various goods such as cars, electronics, and appliances. Cars provide an
easier and efficient mode of transport. There are millions of cars in the United States alone. Most of them producing harmful pollutants. Zero–Emission
Vehicles such as the Tesla Model S do not produce harmufl pollutants. Power Plants produce electricity for everyday life. We use this electricity for
many things. Appliances, Electronics, all produced in Factories. Power Plants burn fossil fuels to create electricity. In (FC.1) it shows that Factories,
Cars, and Power Plants are related. Power Plants, Cars, and Factories produce gases that cause acid rain. They are Primary

Essay on Acid Rain
Acid Rain
"I am for, the reduction of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, emissions, by 90% by the year 2010. We need to take drastic action because the effects
on us are all very serious. We must protect ourselves and safeguard our future."
Acid rain is the term used to describe one of the worst effects of nature. Acid rain is a mixture of sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which are
gasses being emitted into our atmosphere. These gases combine with water droplets in the atmosphere, to produce acid rain. These toxic gasses enter
the clouds, so rain is highly acidic. As a result of acid rain, we suffer from terribleair pollution, so the government should recognize, this problem, and
...show more content...
Acid rain has seriously harmed forests, soil, lakes, rivers and buildings. In Scandinavia large areas of coniferous forest are dying. Trees and
vegetation has been destroyed. Increasing acidity in the soil has become an economical effect for farmers, as their crops are dying and they do not
have much to sell. Swamps and rotting plants give off sulphur dioxide. When soil is acidified, tree roots are damaged, leaving then not able to draw
enough nutrients to support the tree. When acid rain falls on trees, it makes their leaves turn brownish, yellow and the tree can no longer carry out
photosynthesis properly. Some natural causes such as volcano eruptions, and lightening, do also contribute, but only account for 10% of pollution
causing acid rain. Birds in the forest can be harmed if they live in affected waters or feed on fish living in affected areas.
A social problem is when people breathe in smog; acid rain in one of its many forms, Acid rain can also harm people indirectly. This happens when
people eat fish caught in affected lakes, or rivers. Also, if the water source is acidic enough, it will react with copper or lead pipes to harm humans. It
also washes aluminum into the water supply. People also get disease, and loss of families, becomes a serious thing. Central heating

Acid Rain Essay
Acid Rain
"Acid Rain," or more precisely acidic precipitation, is the term used to describe rainfall that has a pH level of less than 5.6––a pH of 7 being neutral.
This form of air pollution is currently a subject of great controversy because of the damage it does to the environment and property worldwide. For the
last ten years, this occurrence has brought destruction to thousands of lakes and streams in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. It also leads
to the deterioration of buildings and statues by reacting with several minerals. Acid rain is formed when oxides of nitrogen and sulfite combine with
moisture in the atmosphere to make nitric and sulfuric acids. These acids can be carried away far from its origin....show more content...
This gas attacks the membranes of the respiratory organs and increases the likelihood of respiratory illness. It also contributes to ozone damage, and
forms smog (Phamornsuwana, http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hall/9111/DOC.HTML#SPECIFIC). Nitrogen oxide can spread far from the
location it was originated by acid rain.
Changes in environment change the wildlife living in that environment. The lowering of pH from 7 to 4 is a dramatic change in environment, and the
changes in wildlife reflect it. There are both direct and indirect effects of acid rain. Acid directly interferes with the ability of fish to take in oxygen, salt,
and other nutrients needed to stay alive. Acidic conditions in the water cause mucus to form in the gills of fish, and prevents them from absorbing
oxygen from the surrounding waters (Farnham, http://www.ems.psu.edu/info/explore/AcidRain.html). With a few exceptions adult fish are unable to
survive in waters with a pH below 4.8. However, fish eggs and baby fish are unable to survive pHs below 5.5 (Farnham, http://www.ems.psu.edu/info
/explore/AcidRain.html). If reproduction is not possible a given fish population will eventually die off even if the pH is not low enough to kill the
adult fish. Most importantly, acid rain can harm us through the atmosphere or through the soil from which our food is grown. Acid rain causes toxic
metals to break loose from their natural chemical compounds, thus making the

Acid Rain : Effects And Prevention Essay
Acid Rain: Effects and Prevention
Yulia A. Bespalova
Abstract: Acid rain is a serious environmental concern that implies a serious responsibility for all inhabitants living in a particular ecosystem. Acid rain
is a mixture of sulphuric and nitric acids, which formed due to sulphur and nitrogen oxides emissions. The soil acidity is increased in the result of
interaction of these acids with components of the atmosphere. Acidification of soil leads to leaching away nutrient cations from the soil and increasing
the toxicity of heavy metals. Therefore soil changed chemical characterization in negative side on growth and productivity of forest trees and crop
plants. Lowering of water body pH causes negative impact on aquatic flora and fauna. Acid rain has influence on human health also. Man–made
materials and structures can be damaged by acid depositions. By reducing the emissions of the precursors of acid rain, the problem of acidification has
been reduced during last two decades.
Introduction
Various natural resources have been used by people since beginning of civilization. Burning fuels, such as coal, oil or natural gas leads to production
of energy. Combustion industries make our life easier, but it also results in pollution that releases harmful substances into environment. Acid rain is
one of the most serious environmental problem raised due to air pollution. Acid rain can be considered as broad term that is used to describe
numerous ways wherein an acid falls out from

Essay on Acid Rain
Acid rain is a problem that has plagued earth for years. It is poisoning our waters, animals, plants, soil, and more. It is a problem that can not be
ignored or it might have catastrophic results on our environment. Acid rain is caused by air pollution, which is due to man–made actions.
Scientists have discovered that air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels is the major cause of acid rain. Power plants and factories burn coal and oil,
which is used to produce the electricity we need to heat and light our homes and to run our electric appliances. We also burn natural gas, coal, and oil
to heat our homes, and our cars, trucks, boats, and airplanes use gasoline to run, which is another fossil fuel....show more content...
Eventually there is so much mucus that it clogs the gills. When this occurs, the fish can no longer breath. It dies and then sinks to the bottom of the
lake. Scientist predict that acid rain is one of the leading causes the possible extinction of fish. This does not only affect the fish in the water, it affects
everything including humans. These lakes and streams are not just homes for aqualife but they are our sources of water too.
Another very large problem is the effect of acid rain on trees. When a tree's roots absorb water from the ground it is taking in its source of life, and
when acid rain rains around that tree, its life source is poisoned. Tree's leaves and needles begin to drop off, and seedlings fail to produce new trees.
The acid also reacts with many nutrients the trees need, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. This starves the trees, and they become much
more susceptible to other forms of damage, such as being blown down, or breaking under the weight of snow. Also forests in high mountain regions
receive additional acid from the acidic clouds and fog that often surround them. These clouds and fog are often more acidic than rainfall. When leaves
are frequently bathed in this acid fog, their protective waxy coating can wear away. The loss of the coating damages the leaves and creates brown
spots. When the leaves are damaged, they cannot produce enough food energy for the tree to remain healthy.

Essay on Acid Rain
The world we live in today has become a nest for pollution, toxic waste and environmental deterioration. In order to improve our planet, acid rain is
a main factor to be considered and must be controlled before the damage worsens. In order to understand what acid rain is, we must first
understand the term "acidity". Acidic is a way to describe chemical compounds and it is measured on the pH scale, a logarithmic measure of the
concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in precipitation (1). This scale is numbered 0 to 14, where substances with values below 7 are considered
acidic and the ones above 7 are basic. Pure rain has a pH between 5.6 and 5.7; therefore, any acid precipitation with a pH below 5.6 presents concerns
(3). Rain itself...show more content...
Both forms are carried by wind and can ultimately contaminate our air, our plants, our animals, and our water (2) (See Appendix A). This paper will
mainly focus on the effects of acid on various aspects of the planet. These effects include surface waters and aquatic animals, forests, automotive
coatings, materials (metals, limestone, etc...), visibility and human health. This paper will also discuss the societal changes and actions one may take
to reduce the danger of acid rain. Effects of Acid RainAcid rain affects many facets of the earth including surface waters, aquatic animals, forests,
automotive coatings, several materials (metals, paint, limestone, etc...), visibility and human health. Surface waters and aquatic animals It is
important to note that acid rain's effects on lakes and aquatic organisms vary widely. In some regions lakes may have an excessive amount of
sensitivity when exposed to acidic deposition, thus, the ecosystem and species will eventually be destroyed. However, in other regions, some lakes
may have a higher threshold to acid rain and therefore, little effect on the organisms (4). The presence of limestone rock contributes to the lakes'
ability in neutralizing acid (5). A lake's ability to absorb acidity while maintaining its species' life depends on the amount of bicarbonate (HCO3)
present in the water. The bicarbonate is produced in the watershed when

Acid Rain In Water Pollution
If someone claimed that rain can cause the death of aquatic ecosystems, would you be skeptical? Fossil fuels are being burned around the world to
generate power, polluting the atmosphere. In comparison to the other fossil fuels, coal is the dirtiest pollutant. According to the Canadian
Encyclopedia it states, "Once the pH falls below approximately 5.5, both the amount and diversity of vegetation, zooplankton, amphibians and fish
decreases." So, in fact, rain can cause damage if the power of hydrogen (pH) is lowered making it acid rain, this was a problem in Quebec. Quebec is
one of the places hit the hardest because the water and soil is not strong enough to neutralize the sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. At the time
America was industrializing, creating coal–burning power plants and increasing the use of motor vehicles. This was great until the sulfuric smoke was
going into the atmosphere causing acid rain in Quebec.
To further understand Quebec's environmental problem the process of the fossil fuels need to be established. Sulfuric Acid and Nitric Acid are the main
reasons why acid rain occurred in Eastern Canada. While, sulfuric acid is produced when coal is burnt in power houses, nitric acid comes from the
exhaust pipes in vehicles. Coal is burned releasing sulfur particles into the air joining oxygen as sulfur dioxide. Afterward, more oxygen bonds to the
sulfur dioxide it becomes sulfur tri oxide, dissolving in the water forming sulfuric acid. Naturally rain is

Acid Rain: Causes, Effects, and Prevention
Acid Rain Acid rain is a rain or any othРµr form of prРµcipitation that is unusually acidic, mРµaning that it possesses РµlРµvatРµd lРµvРµls of
hydrogen ions (low pH). It can havРµ harmful РµffРµcts on plants, aquatic animals, and infrastructure (Glossary–DEFRA, 2011). ThРµ chРµmicals in
acid rain can causРµ paint to pРµРµl, corrosion of stРµРµl structures such as bridges, and Рµrosion of stonРµ statues. Acid rain is caused by
Рµmissions of carbon dioxidРµ, sulphur dioxidРµ and nitrogen oxidРµs which rРµact with the watРµr molecules in thРµ atmosphere to producРµ
acids. These gases are rРµlРµasРµd into thРµ atmosphere as a rРµsult of both natural causes likРµ volcanoРµs and lightning strikРµs as wРµll as
human activitiРµs. Governments have made Рµfforts since thРµ 1970s to reduce thРµ rРµlРµasРµ of sulphur dioxide and othРµr acidic gasРµs
into the atmosphРµrРµ with positive rРµsults. This paper will highlight the various causes of acid rain, its adverse effects on the environment as well
as human health and infrastructure and finally outline preventive steps that government and corporations have taken in response. ThРµ principal
causРµ of acid rain is sulphur and nitrogРµn compounds from human sourcРµs, such as РµlРµctricity gРµnРµration, factoriРµs, and motor vehicles
(Tennesen, 2010). Coal powРµr plants arРµ onРµ of thРµ most polluting. ThРµ gasРµs can bРµ carriРµd hundrРµds of kilomРµtРµrs in thРµ
atmosphРµrРµ bРµforРµ thРµy arРµ convРµrtРµd to acids and deposited. WРµt deposition of acids occurs whРµn any form of prРµcipitation removes
acids from

Acid Rain Research Essay

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Acid Rain Research Essay