Questions About Acid Rain

Acid rain

What causes Acid Rain?

Acid rain is caused by sulphur and nitrogen compounds making a chemical reaction in the atmosphere and produces acids. When they mix with other natural objects (like water and oxygen) they form acid rain. Humans are the proper cause for Acid rain. Over the years, we have released many different chemicals into the atmosphere. Power plants release most of the nitrogen and exhausts from vehicles release sulphur. Together they form acid rain

Where is acid rain most common?
Acid rain is common in USA, Canada, Europe and Asia. In the US, Canada and Europe pollutant controls and emissions trading programs have significantly reduced the amount of sulphur dioxide from industrial sources. Asia is currently the region most affected by acid rain. In China wide-spread burning of high sulphur coal in small stoves and industrial burners has contributed to a serious air quality problem. South western China is particularly affected, with damage to forests and crops from acidic conditions.

Why is acid rain Harmful?

Acid rain is harmful to humans. All the pollution like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause respiratory disease. Nitrogen oxides cause ground level ozone, which gives you bronchitis or pneumonia. Acid rain also harms forests. It seeps into the ground and dissolves nutrients, such as magnesium and calcium that trees need to survive. Also, acid rain causes aluminium to be released into the soil, which makes it difficult for trees to take up water. The loss of nutrients makes it easier for infections, insects and cold weather to damage trees and forests. Without pollution or acid rain most lakes and streams have a pH of 6.5. However acid rain has caused many lakes and streams to have much lower pH levels. Aluminium eventually ends up in lakes and streams and is deadly to aquatic life, including phytoplankton, rainbow trait and other creatures’ part of the food chain.