Acid Rain
Acid Rain
Acid rain is rain that is polluted. The pollutants go up to the atmosphere and when it rains, it brings the pollution down with it. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are the gases that form the acid rain. When these gases mix with moisture it can make rain, snow, hail, or even fog. The scientific term for acid rain is acid deposition which means when the acid is taken from the air and is deposited on the earth. Major industries, coal burning factories, power plants and automobile engines are the main sources of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide which cause acid rain. Volcanoes and forest fires also causes sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
Some of the many problems that come from acid rain is the killing of many plants and underwater life in thousands of lakes and streams around the world. It strips forest soils of nutrients and damages farm crops. Acid rain can also corrode stone buildings, bridges, and priceless monuments. Acid rain can also be harmful to humans because acid rain kills the crops and fish we eat, ruins homes, and the acid can release lead in the pipes and the lead could go into our drinking water. It is hard to determine where acid rain may fall next, because the wind from a polluted area could carry pollution
Humans have impacted the world more than any other species on the planet. By burning fossil fuels in factories, and automobiles acid rain is caused. In North America motorized vehicles let go about 50% of nitrogen oxides that help cause acid rain (Encarta). Acid rain has affected every part of the world, and it reacts with anything it comes in contact with. Not only does acid rain affect plant growth, soil, and water, but it also affects animals, monuments, and human health. First I will address how acid rain is formed, next what effect it has, and finally what we can do to pollute less. Acid rain affects almost everything.
Acid rain is formed by burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. While in the process...
View Full Essay