How does Acid Rain affect Humans and the Environment

Acid rain, also known as acid deposition, is a term used to describe any type of precipitation with high amounts of sulfuric, carbonic, and nitric acids. Acid rain doesn’t necessarily have to be in liquid form. The precipitation can fall to earth in the form of snow, dry materials, and even microparticles.

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HOW DOES ACID RAIN FORM?
Acid rain is formed through a complex chemical process that occurs naturally. The process involves the reaction between water and other compounds like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

Acid Rain Chemistry
The formation of acid rain starts with the emission of nitrogen and sulfur particles into the atmosphere. These emissions can occur naturally through volcanic eruptions and lightning strikes.

What is the pH of Acid Rain?
Clean rainwater has a pH value that ranges between 5.0 and 5.5. This makes it somewhat acidic but not acidic enough to cause harm to the environment. Acid rain, on the other hand, has a pH value ranging between 4.0 and 4.4.

ACID RAIN POTENCY
This refers to the level of acidity of acid rain. Acid rain potency can only be determined by measuring the pH value of collected rainwater samples.

FORMS OF ACID RAIN DEPOSITION
Acidic precipitation can fall to the ground in different forms depending on the current climatic condition.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF ACID RAIN?
Acid rain can affect the ecosystem, animals, plants, and other components in the environment. The effects can be short-term or long-term depending on the level of acidity of the precipitation.

Effects of Acid Rain on the Environment
When acid rain falls to the ground, it can flow into rivers, streams, and lakes as runoff. This will lead to the pollution of the water systems.

HOW TO PREVENT ACID RAIN
We can only prevent acid rain by curbing the emission of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other pollutants. This will not help in conserving the environment but will also protect us from health complications.

Restrict the use of Fossil Fuels
-When fossil fuels such as coal are burnt, they produce particulates like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The presence of these compounds in the atmosphere can cause the formation of acid rain.

ACID RAIN CAN CAUSE UNTOLD DAMAGES
Acid rain should be given the same attention that people give other environmental problems. It affects the ecosystem as it pollutes water systems and also poisons aquatic animals. Additionally, acid rain can damage plants, buildings, cars, and other structures. It also puts our health at risk since it predisposes us to respiratory complications.

The best way to prevent acid rain from forming is by curbing the emission of harmful gasses. People should resort to renewable sources of energy that won’t pollute the environment.

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