Table of Contents

Thesis Statement2

I.Effects of Acid Rain to Air2

A.Component of the Earth's Atmosphere.3

B.Ozone Pollution3

C.Gases Reaction with Rain4

D.PH Scale of Gases4

II.Effects of Acid Rain to soil5

A.Increased the Acidity in the Soil (Ph =3.0)5

B.Harmful to Vegetation5

III.Acid Rain effects to water6

A.Increased Acidity in the Water6

B.Damage the Aquatic Life6

C.Change in Fish Population7

IV.Reducing the Acid Rain7

A.Limitation7

B.Use of Renewable Energy7

C.Action as Individuals8

V.Conclusion8

Acid Rain

Thesis Statement

This paper argues that the industrial waste and emissions from factories and vehicles should be restricted in order to avoid acid rain which could encourage toxic air, soil, water.

Effects of Acid Rain to Air

The burning of the fossil fuel produces the acid rain. It is produced when the emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen combine with the water, oxygen to produce different form of acidic components.

Acid rain makes acid soils. This can be seen especially in mountainous areas, where soil is poor as in central and southern Germany (Bavaria) or sectors of the Vosges. This effect results in a loss of mineral nutrients for trees and vegetation. Sandy soils are most sensitive to acid rain. It saturates the soil and the environment becomes too acidic, therefore, plants and animals suffer. On alkaline soils (such as limestone), the acidity is partially minimal and the effects are reduced (Denny & Juan, 2007, pp 47-72). Acid rain refers to a mixture of wet and dry deposition of chemical compounds from the atmosphere containing higher than normal amounts of nitric acid and sulfuric acid (HNO3 and H2SO4, respectively). Rain with a pH of 5.0 or stronger is considered acidic, which is slightly more acidic than clean or unpolluted rainwater (around 5.2-5.6). Extreme cases have been measured at a pH of between 3.0 and 4.5 (Burtraw, pp.379). The phenomenon of acid rain and deposition has resulted in geographically and regionally pronounced effects, leading in some cases to dead lakes, fish, and trees, and damaged soils, crops, and national monuments in many countries. Nitric acid and sulfuric acid also damage human health. Concern with this problem began in the late 1960s and 1970s, and following substantial research efforts culminated in government action in Europe, North America, and East Asia in the 1980s and 1990s.

Acid precipitations are mainly oxides of sulfur and nitrogen into the atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels and smelting of sulphide ores. As the pollutants are transported over hundreds or even thousands of kilometers into the atmosphere, the oxides undergo complex chemical reactions that lead to the formation of acids; those found most often being the sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

Aquatic ecosystems are extremely vulnerable to contamination by acid rain, but the human achievements are no exception. Even today, little is known about the effect of acid precipitation on terrestrial ecosystems, but most experts agree that they represent a real danger.

Although acid rain do not seem to directly threaten human health, the facts show that inhalation of acid aerosols may cause respiratory irritation and aggravate respiratory problems. The issue is complicated; however, it can be difficult to isolate the effects of acid pollutants from those of other ...