Acid rain facts and information | Known-unknown facts about acid rain
Acid Rain :
Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning that it has elevated levels of hydrogen ions. It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals and infrastructure.
The problem of acid rain is the result of massive air -pollution -the gift of industrialization. It is global problem. Because of acid rainfall today more than 200 lakes in New York state are 'dead'. In Sweden, nearly 5000 lakes are devoid of fish. In India, acid rain has been reported in Mumbai and pune.
Acid rain facts and information | Known-unknown facts about acid rain
Rains containing acid forming chemicals, chiefly pollutants that have been released into the atmosphere and combined with water vapours are called acid rains. Unpolluted rain water is slightly acidic because of the presence of CO2 in the air. Its pH is generally 5.7
CO2 + H2O → H2CO3( carbonic acid)
Therefore, rainwater with pH values lower than 5.7 is called acid rain. In some parts of the world, rain water pH is recorded as low as 2.5.An acid gives a characteristics sour test to water. Acidity is measured on a pH scale, ranging from 0-14.Neutral solution for example :distilled water has pH 7.from pH 7 upto 14, solution are alkaline or basic. From pH 7 down to 0, indicates acidity. Thus, lower the pH, higher will be the acidity. Acid rains are 10 times more acidic than the clean rain water.
Acid rain facts and information | Known-unknown facts about acid rain
# natural sources:
The major natural causal agent for acid rain is volcanic emissions. Decaying vegetation, wildfires and biological processes within the environment also generate the acid rain forming gases. Dimethly sulfide is a typical example of a major biological contributor to sulfur containing elements into the atmosphere. Lighting strikes also naturally produces nitric oxides that react with water molecules via electrical activity to produce nitric acid, thereby forming acid rain.
# man- made sources :
The activities include air pollution sources emitting sulfur and nitrogen gases like factories, power generations facilities, and automobiles. In particular, use of coal for electrical power generation is the biggest contributor to gaseous emissions leading to acid rain.The gases i.e. i.e. sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are primarily gases occurring from electric power generation by burning coal and responsible for acid rain.
- Acid rain affects the aquatic animals and plants in streams and lakes.
- change in pH of water prevents hatching of fish eggs.
- Acidity also kills useful bacteria and green algae in the aquatic system.
- Acid rain affects vegetation and soil. Soil is damaged by acid rain.
- Acid rain is responsible for killing fauna and flora in rivers, lakes and streams.
- Acid rain also affects furniture, carpets, window frames, leather articles, marble, paints, etc.
- Acid rain can oxidise metals.
- etc.
Regulating the emissions coming from vehicles and buildings is an important step, according to the EPA. This can be done by restricting the use of fossil fuels and focusing on more sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Also, each person can do their part by reducing their vehicle use. Using public transportation, walking, riding a bike or carpooling is a good start, according to the EPA. People can also reduce their use of electricity, which is widely created with fossil fuels, or switch to a solar plan.
People also ask
Can acid rain melt your skin?
Something with a pH value of 7, we call neutral, this means that it is neither acidic nor alkaline. Very strong acids will burn if they touch your skin and can even destroy metals. Acid rain is much, much weaker than this; it is never acidic enough to burn your skin.
Is acid rain painful?
While acid rain can be incredibly detrimental for the environment and will kill many plants and animals over a long enough exposure, it won't directly hurt or kill you.
Which is the wrong facts about acid rain?
Acid rain can be extremely harmful to forests. Acid rain that seeps into the ground can dissolve nutrients, such as magnesium and calcium, that trees need to be healthy. Acid rain also causes aluminum to be released into the soil, which makes it difficult for trees to take up water.
When was the first acid rain?
Acid rain was first identified in North America at Hubbard Brook in the mid-1960s, and later shown to result from long-range transport of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from power plants. Hubbard Brook research influenced national and international acid rain policies, including the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments.
Can you drink acid rain?
Humans are affected when we breathe in air pollution, this can cause breathing problems, and even cancer. Drinking water which has been contaminated with acid rain can cause brain damage over time.
Has acid rain killed anyone?
Acid rainfall can cause serious repertory problems and greatly impact human health. It has been estimated that around 550 premature deaths each year occur due to acid rain.
Related searches
- acid rain facts
- what are some facts about acid rain
- what are some fun facts about acid rain
- does acid rain really exist
- are acid rains real
- how bad is acid rain
- 5 facts about acid rain
- what causes acid rain
- 10 facts about acid rain
- acid rain effects
- where is acid rain most common
- how does acid rain affect the environment
- what is acid rain class 7
- how to reduce acid rain
