What is acid rain? Briefly explain what acid rain is and its causes
The correct answer and explanation is:
Acid rain refers to precipitation that has a higher level of acidity than normal. It occurs when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are released into the atmosphere. These compounds are primarily produced by burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, in power plants, industries, and vehicles. Once in the atmosphere, these gases react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃). These acids then mix with cloud moisture, and when the clouds condense, they fall as acid rain.
The causes of acid rain are mainly human activities, although natural sources such as volcanoes and forest fires can also contribute to the emission of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. However, the large-scale industrialization, deforestation, and urbanization over the past century have greatly intensified the problem. The burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation and transportation releases significant amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are carried by winds over long distances, making acid rain a widespread environmental issue.
The impact of acid rain is harmful to both the environment and human-made structures. It can lower the pH of lakes, rivers, and soils, harming aquatic life by making the water too acidic for many species to survive. Acid rain also damages forests by leaching vital nutrients from the soil, weakening trees and making them more susceptible to disease and harsh weather. Furthermore, acid rain can erode buildings and statues, especially those made from limestone or marble, which react with the acids and deteriorate over time.
Addressing acid rain requires reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides by adopting cleaner energy sources, improving fuel quality, and implementing stricter regulations on industrial emissions.