Acid Rain

BY BENJAMIN MAIN

What is acid rain and how does it occur?

Acid rain is rain that is unusually acidic. This happens when the pH level in the rain drops! The reason from this is pollution (fossil fuels) which is created by us! Fossil fuel use does not directly emit acids into the atmosphere. Instead, it releases large amounts of acid precursors, primarily sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides. These gases react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form various acidic compounds. When this acid rain falls from the sky, it can effect several parts of the earth in many ways.

How is acid rain measured by environmental scientists?

Acid rain is measured using a scale called pH. The lower a substance's pH, the more acidic it is. The pH level of clean water is 7 which means the water is neither alkaline or acidic. While acid water sits on about the 5.6 mark.
The way that the colours (on the right) can be found is when using a universal indicator. universal indicator can show us exactly how strongly acidic or alkaline a solution is. Universal indicator has many different colour changes, from red for strong acids to dark purple for strong bases. In the middle, neutral pH 7 is indicated by green.

Acid Rain and Human Health

Acid Rain can cause respiratory diseases such as Asthma or Chronic Bronchitis. It can also effect permanent lung damage through when the acid rain produces tiny particles which can enter the lungs. Acid Rain itself is not dangerous but what particles it produces can be!

Acid Rain and Natural Environment

Acid rain is a serious environmental problem that affects large parts of the United States and Canada. Acid rain is particularly damaging to lakes, streams, and forests and the plants and animals that live in these environments. Acid rain that seeps into the ground can dissolve nutrients, such as magnesium and calcium, which 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. This can reduce the population of forests significantly if not fixed. For aquatic animals In shallow areas where Acid Rain can get really concentrated the aquatic wild life can not handle the new pH level where they will then die. This can happen in places such as lakes and rivers.

Acid Rain and Man-Made Buildings

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.

Conclusion
As you can see Acid Rain is becoming a huge problem as more and more pollution is being put into the air. It is killing local wildlife, aquatic life and plant life. If we do not stop this threat to nature, mother earth will SUFFER! An irreversible effect and pay the consequences!