Causes and Effects of Acid Rain

Acid rain is a form of pollution that can cause lot of damage to ecosystems, man-made
objects, as well as human health. Read this article to know more about its causes and
effects.
Acid rain, or more accurately acid precipitation, is the term used for describing rainfall
with a pH level lower than 5.6. This type of pollution is a matter of great debate currently
due to its potential of causing environmental damages all across the world. For the last
decade or so, acid rain has caused destruction to hundreds of lakes and streams in
many parts of the world, including the US, Canada, and Europe. Acid rain forms due to
the oxides of sulfur and nitrogen combining with the moisture content of the
atmosphere, resulting in the formation of sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids can be
dispersed far away from their places of origin.
Causes
The oxides of nitrogen or NOx and sulfur dioxide or SO2 are the two main sources of
acid rain.
Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide, which is a colorless gas, is released as a by-product when fossil fuels
that contain sulfur are burned.
Formation
Industrial processes like the processing of crude oil, utility factories, and iron and steel
industries.
Natural means and disaster can also result in sulfur dioxide being released into the
atmosphere, such as rotting vegetation, plankton, sea spray, and volcanoes, all of which
emit about 10% sulfur dioxide.
On the whole, industrial combustion is responsible for 69.4% sulfur dioxide emissions
into the atmosphere, and vehicular transportation is responsible for about 3.7%.
Chemistry
When sulfur dioxide reacts with the atmospheric moisture, it undergoes oxidation to
form sulfate ions.
SO2 (g) + O2 (g) = SO3 (g)
The sulfate ions then combine with hydrogen atoms from the atmosphere to form
sulfuric acid in the aqueous state.
SO3 (g) + H2O (l) = H2SO4 (aq)

Sulfur dioxide affects the breathing capacity of lungs and cause permanent damage to
them. Shortness of breath, asthma, recurring cough are some of the major problems
related to constant exposure to this gas.
Oxides of Nitrogen
Nitrogen oxide is another major component of acid rain. Nitrogen compounds that
contain oxygen atoms, are known as oxides of nitrogen. For example, nitrogen dioxide
and nitrogen monoxide are oxides of nitrogen, and they are generically termed as NOx.
Formation
These gases are produced in combustion processes, which involve extremely high
temperatures. For example, utility plants, automobiles and chemical industries such as
in the production of fertilizers.
Five percent of nitrogen oxide is emitted by natural processes like lightning, volcanic
eruptions, forest fires, and action of bacteria in the soil. Industrial processes emit 32%
and vehicular transportation is responsible for 43%.
Chemistry
While reacting with atmospheric moisture, nitrogen oxide also undergoes oxidation
reaction to give rise to nitric or nitrous acid.
NO2 (g) + H2O (l) = HNO3 (aq) + HNO2 (aq)
Nitrogen oxide, which is a dangerous gas in itself, causes damage to the respiratory
organs by attacking the membranes in them; thus increasing the chances of respiratory
diseases. It also causes smog and plays a critical role in damaging the ozone layer. The
nitrogen oxide can be carried far away from the original location of its emission.
Effects
Plant Life
Acid rain seeps into the earth and poisons plants and trees by dissolving toxic
substances in the soil, such as aluminum, which gets absorbed by the roots. This rain
also dissolves the beneficial minerals and nutrients in the soil which are then washed
away, before the plants and trees have a chance of using them in order to grow.
When there is frequent acid rain, it corrodes the waxy protective coating of the leaves.
When this protective coating on the leaves is lost, it results in making the plant
susceptible to disease. Due to the damaged leaves, the plant loses its ability to produce
sufficient amounts of nutrition which is need for it to stay healthy. It results in making the
plant vulnerable to the cold weather, insects, and disease, which can in turn lead to its
death.

Aquatic Life
Acid rain also affects aquatic organisms adversely. A high amount of sulfuric acid in the
seawater interferes with the ability of fish to take in nutrients, salt, and oxygen. As far as
freshwater fish is concerned, in order for them to stay alive, they need to balance the
amount of minerals and salts in their tissues. The molecules of acid result in mucus
forming in their gills, which prevents them from absorbing oxygen in adequate amounts.
Plus, the acidity, which reduces the pH level, causes the imbalance of salt in the tissues
of fish.
This change in the pH level also impairs some of the fish's ability to maintain their
calcium levels. It in turn affects the reproduction processes of the fish. Lack of calcium
also causes deformed bones and weakened spines in fish.
Man-made Objects
Other than causing harm to ecosystems, acid rain also damages man-made structures
and materials. For example, acid rain dissolves sandstone, limestone, and marble. It
also corrodes ceramic, textiles, paints, and metals. Rubber and leather deteriorate if
exposed to acid rain. Stone monuments and carvings lose their shine when exposed to
this contaminated rain.
Humans
Most of all, acid rain affects human health adversely. It can harm us through
atmospheric and soil pollution. Acid rain leads to the formation of toxic compounds by
reacting with naturally occurring chemical compounds. Once these toxic compounds are
formed, they can seep into the drinking water, and also enter the food chain. This
contaminated food can damage the nerves in children, or result in severe brain damage,
or even death. Scientists suspect that aluminum, one of the metals affected by acid rain,
is associated with Alzheimer's disease. The emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulfur
dioxide cause problems like irritation of throat, nose and the eyes, headache, asthma,
and dry cough.
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