Essays

There are many types of air pollution, one type is acid rain. Scientists have discovered that air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels, mainly in power stations and industry in countries such as Germany, United Kingdom and other economically developed countries, is the major cause of acid rain. Acidic deposition or acid rain as it is commonly known, occurs when emissions of sulphur dioxide  and oxides of nitrogen  react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen and oxidants to form various acidic compounds. Sunlight further accelerates this process with the introduction of heat. These compounds then fall to the earth in either wet form (such as rain, snow, and fog) or dry form (such as gas and particles).

There are many effects of acid rain all of which are very negative for the environment. These gases and particles can eat and corrode away the objects which they settle "n, One of these effects is the acidification of lakes and stream". and trees at high elevations. Acid rain primarily affects sensitive bodies of water, those which rest atop the roil with a limited ability to neutralize acidic compound (called "buffering capacity'). Many lakes suffer from chronic acidity, a condition in which water has a constantly low pH level. In some sensitive lakes, acidification has completely eradicated fish species, leaving these lakes barren.

Acid rain has been also implicated in causing the degradation of forests, causing widespread destruction of trees and along with that the homes and habitats of thousand of animals. There is also a concern about the impact of acid rain on forest soils. There is good reason to believe that long-term changes in the chemistry of some sensitive soils may have already occurred as a result of acid rain. As the acid rain moves through the soil it can strip the soil of vital nutrients through chemical reactions, therefore posing a potential threat to the future forest productivity.

There are also other economic implications of acid rain. Acidic particles are known to contribute to the corrosion of metals and deterioration of stone buildings and paint on cars. The corrosion seriously depreciates the value of buildings and goods which are a value to society, e.g., old buildings, statues and monuments which have to be maintained more due to the increase and effects of acid rain. Some manufacturers of motor vehicles have had to top paint their cars with acid resistant paint which can protect the car against the corrosive effects of acid rain.

There are more social effects of acid rain. One is that the health of the general population of a country seems to be worsening due to the air-borne acidic particles.