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Formation of Acid rain
During the combustion of coal and oil, the sulphur impurities are oxidized to sulphur dioxide. When sulphur dioxide dissolves in water, it will form hydrogen ion and hydrogen sulfite ion. The equation is SO2 (aq) + H20 --> H+ (aq) + HSO3-(aq). When falling rain picks up gaseous SO2 from the air, the rainwater which reaches the ground is more acidic than normal. In addition, this matter will become worst when both oxygen and the ozone(O3) in smog convert some SO2 to sulphur trioxide(in sunlight when fine dust is present). SO2 + O3--> SO3.The SO3 reacts with water and forms sulphuric acid. SO3 + H2O --> H2SO4. Sulphuric acid is a strong acid. SO3 also a contributor to acid rain.
Large quantities of sulphur dioxide are released into the atmosphere during volcanic eruption. Power plants, smelting plants, industrial plants, burning of coal and automobile exhausts release additional sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and acidic soot which causes pollution. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide interact with water vapours in presence of sunlight to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid mist. When NO2 reacts with water , it will form nitric acid and nitrous acid. 2NO2 (g) + H2O (l) --> HNO3 (aq) + HNO2 (aq).The formed sulphuric acid and nitric acid remain as vapour at high temperatures. They will begin to condense as the temperature falls and mix with rain; the rain will become sufficiently acidic.
Harmful effects of acid rain
Acid rain ia an extremely destructive form of pollution. It has negative effect on plants and animals. Trees are important natural resources because they provide timber, regulate local climate and forests. However, their roots can be easily damaged by acidic rainfall and causes stunted growth of plant. It may cause death
too. Nutrients present in the soil are destroyed by the acidity. The useful microorganisms which release nutrients from decaying organic matter into the soil are also killed off, resulting in less nutrients being available for the plants. The acid rain which falls on the plants will damage the waxy layer on the leaves and makes the plant vulnerable to diseases. Plant germination and reproduction is also inhibited by the effects of acid rain.
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Besides that, acid rain also causes harmful to the aquatic animals. Harmful elements (mercury and aluminium) is leached from the soil and rocks and carried into the lakes. The aquatic life hard to survive in the acidic condition. When the pH drops below 5.0, all the fish have died and the bottom of the lake lies covered with undecayed material. Generally, all living organisms are interdependent on each other. If a lower life form is killed, other species that depended on it will also be affected. Every animal up the food chain will be affected.
Architecture and artwork can be destroyed by acid rain. Acid particles can land on buil
dings and cause corrosion. When sulfur pollutants fall on the sufaces of buildings(made by limestone or marble), they react with the minerals in the stone to form a powdery substance that can be washed away by rain. This powdery substance is called gypsum. Limestone and marble are calcium carbonate. All carbonates are dissolved by acid. CaCO3 (s) + H2SO4 (aq) CaSO4 (aq) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l).
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Furthermore, We, human also affected by acid rain. Humans can become seriously ill and may die from the effects of acid rain. One of the major problems that acid rain can cause in a human being is respiratory problems. It makes us difficult to breathe especially people who have asthma. The sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in acid rain cause asthma along with dry coughs, headaches, and throat irritations. Acid rain can be absorbed by both plants and animals through direct contact. When we eat these infected plants or animals, the toxins within the plants ir animals will affect us. The toxin will cause brain damage, kidney problems, and Alzheimer's disease.
Solution!!!!Solution...
Acid rain is a big problem but it is not unstoppable. This big problem has to be solved from becoming serious. The acid rain will be reduced as the amount of sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides in the air is reduced. We can do many things to stop this pollution. First of all, conserve energy and pollute less! We use less electricity. We may form a carpool and share vehicle with others. We also use public transportation or walk during short distances. When less energy is used, less coal is burnt, and resulting less acid rain is produced. If coal was cleaned before it is burnt, the dangerous pollutants that cause acid rain will be cleaned away. The sulphur can be washed away as the coal is crushed and washed in the water .
Lastly...... we can reduce the amount of fuel by conserving energy...
All of us must not pollute or destroy the world..The world contains so many beautiful things..we must protect and beutify it..We must not selfish..
SO..let us Heal the world..make it a better place for our next generation and forever...