Acid rain is primarily caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from coal power plants, vehicle exhausts, and other industrial activities that burn fossil fuels. It affects many areas downwind, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Acid rain harms plants and wildlife by leaching nutrients from soils and leaves. It also damages buildings and erodes marble statues. Long term solutions require international agreements to reduce sulfur and nitrogen gas emissions by decreasing fossil fuel use and transitioning to alternative energy sources.

1. Acid Rain

2. Where in the World? Acid rain is ma inly a problem in developed countries, especially tho se with a lot of power stations which emit toxic gases . The countries whi ch burn a lot of fossil fuels UK North America Europe

3. Countries in Asia which are developing very fast and industrializing. China India Japan Trade winds blow the toxic gases which create Acid Rain from the UK to: Norway Sweden Germany Scandinavia

5. Causes of Acid Rain Acid Rain primarily consists of two compounds: 30 % nitric acid (chemical formula: HNO3) 70 % sulphuric acid (chemical formula: H2SO4). Primary Pollutants of Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide : Coal powered po wer stations Exhausts from ca rs , trucks and other vehicles Industries Burning of Fossil Fuels

7. Impacts Biosphere (Plants and Animals): Acid Rain dissolves all the nutrients and the useful minerals for the tree to live and grow. Toxins ( aluminum) , clog the roots of the trees so they cannot soak up water to grow and to live. Acid clouds drain the nutrients from the leaves of the trees and plants whilst removing the wax layer which protect the leaves. Weakens the process of photosynthesis . The lack of nutrients enables the plant/tree to weaken, making the trees prone to diseases and insects which could kill them.

9. Impa cts Lithosphere (rocks and soil): Acid rain dissolves marble ,  ruin many famous statues and loses their features Buildings and houses are ruined Ancient monuments can never be replaced Repairing the damages costs billions of dollars .

10. Impacts Atmosphere: The sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases , causes respiratory diseases. asthma chronic bronchitis. Tiny Particles cause difficulty in breathing for humans and animals. This can also lead to permanent lung damage

11. Impacts Hydrosphere: Once a pH of 7 (neutral) can fall to 4-5. Many fish are poisoned and die due to the acidity of the water. The food chain is completely interrupted . The animals which are not affected by the acidity die due to starvation . Humans and animals can become ill if eating a fish which is filled with toxins. The aluminum in the soils due to Acid rain destroys the marine plant life.

13. Impacts Man: Respiratory problems and lung damage . Low visibility - traffic accidents. Illnesses such as cancer , which lead to the deaths of many lives. Farmers can be become unemployed as the crops are not well nourished Companies need to pay millions of dollars to repair any building damages due to the acid rain.

14. Solutions Short Term Limestone to neutralize the acid to decrease acid levels Use public transport or carpool to reduce the emissions from the car exhaust. “ Catalytic converters” change the toxic gases into less polluting gases which reduces risk of lung illnesses.

15. Solutions Long Term: This is an international problem countries need to make agreements. Sulphur and nitrogen gas emissions should be reduced Decrease of burning of fossil fuels. Alternative energy sources