Essay On Effects Of Acid Rain

972 Words4 Pages

Many people think that acid rain is the same as “normal” rain that we usually see; however, they are different. Acid rain has a lot of bad effects and people should know what exactly is acid rain to prevent it; as a result, some people have taken actions by making laws and to try making neutralization.

Acid rain has been one of the most common topics to be spoken about these days and happens to have bad causes and effects. Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. This can include rain, snow, fog, hail or even dust that is acidic. Acid rain results when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the atmosphere and …show more content…

The major sources of SO2 and NOX in the atmosphere are: Burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity, Two thirds of SO2 and one fourth of NOX in the atmosphere come from electric power generators, Vehicles and heavy equipment, and finally manufacturing, oil refineries and other industries. Winds can blow SO2 and NOX over long distances and across borders making acid rain a problem for everyone and not just those who live close to these sources. As acid rain has these causes, it also has effects. Acid rain has many ecological effects, but none is greater than its impact on lakes, streams, wetlands, and other aquatic environments. Acid rain makes waters acidic and causes them to absorb the aluminum that makes its way from soil into lakes and streams. This combination makes waters toxic to crayfish, clams, fish, and other aquatic animals. Some species can tolerate acidic waters better than others. However, in an interconnected ecosystem, what impacts some species eventually impacts many more throughout the food chain—including non-aquatic species such as birds. Acid rain also damages forests, especially those at higher elevations. It robs the soil of

More about Essay On Effects Of Acid Rain

Open Document