The Effects of Acid Rain
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There are many effects that occur as a result of acid rain. Normal rain is slightly acidic, when it comes in contact with various surfaces in the environment (eg. soil and bedrocks), because they are basic, it is neutralized. But because acid rain is much more acidic, the alkalinity is not strong enough to neutralize the acid, so it corrodes the surfaces it lands on.
Environmental Effects
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The major effect acid rain has, is on the environment. When Acid rain falls, it makes water acidic and causes it to absorb the runoff of aluminium that is released from the soil. The combination of Aluminium and water is very toxic to aquatic animals. Some species can withstand low Ph, however some cannot. Both Ph and high aluminium rates in aquatic habitats, cause harm to animals and plants. Although, it may not kill the animal, they could succumb to stress which may whither the animals ability to gain weight, and in return, cause less competition for food. If one species is affected, the rest of the food chain could be impacted. When the acidity of water drops below 4.8 Ph, the risk of death of plants and animals is imminent.
Acid Rain can also damage forests, particularly those of higher elevation. The acid deposition on trees, causes the loss and damage of leaves ( which affects water flow through the tree) , damage to bark and stunts growth. If acid deposition occurs in the soil, nutrients is lowered (therefore deprives plants from necessary nutrients), kills imperative microrganisms and causes a calcium deficiency. The damage to plants and trees make it more unlikely for them to withstand extreme temperatures, insects, disease, fungi and in return affects reproduction. (nationalgeographic.com)
Acid Rain can also damage forests, particularly those of higher elevation. The acid deposition on trees, causes the loss and damage of leaves ( which affects water flow through the tree) , damage to bark and stunts growth. If acid deposition occurs in the soil, nutrients is lowered (therefore deprives plants from necessary nutrients), kills imperative microrganisms and causes a calcium deficiency. The damage to plants and trees make it more unlikely for them to withstand extreme temperatures, insects, disease, fungi and in return affects reproduction. (nationalgeographic.com)
Structural Damage
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Not only does acid rain damage the environment, but can also cause structural damage (through corrosion) to architecture and art. Acid rain, when it falls on surfaces, it can corrode certain minerals (especially Limestone). These corroded mineral are then washed away. When acid rain comes in contact with Marble and Limestone it reacts with the calcium carbonate in it. The products of this reaction are gypsum, water and carbon dioxide. The worded equation for this is:
Acid Rain + Calcium Carbonate ----> Water + Gypsum + Carbon Dioxide.
Acid rain can also damage modern buildings, aeroplanes, steel bridges and pipes (whether they are below or above ground). The dry deposition of acidic substances on building can make them dirty. This increases maintenance costs.
Over the last few decades, there have been reports of damage being done to the surfaces of cars. Automotive paints have undergone damage. The damage is able to be identified through looking for irregular shapes and can be detected with fluorescent lamps. The damage occurs after the evaporation of acid rain. Automotive industries are searching for coatings to resist acid rain.
Acid Rain + Calcium Carbonate ----> Water + Gypsum + Carbon Dioxide.
Acid rain can also damage modern buildings, aeroplanes, steel bridges and pipes (whether they are below or above ground). The dry deposition of acidic substances on building can make them dirty. This increases maintenance costs.
Over the last few decades, there have been reports of damage being done to the surfaces of cars. Automotive paints have undergone damage. The damage is able to be identified through looking for irregular shapes and can be detected with fluorescent lamps. The damage occurs after the evaporation of acid rain. Automotive industries are searching for coatings to resist acid rain.
Visibility |
Human Health |
As A Whole
Increased acid rain occurrences lead to the increase in spending on maintenance of building and other structures. Acid rain also leads to companies attempting to source new acid rain resistant material, costing millions of dollars. Not only is money lost, but the priceless statues and historical monuments which are being increasingly deteriorated, will be lost forever and will never be able to be brought back.
(Sources: 1, 2, 4)
(Sources: 1, 2, 4)