The rain which contains acid is known as acid rain. Acid rain also occurs in snow, fog, and in dust form.
Acid Rain generally has a pH of 4.2 – 4.6.
Causes of Acid Rain
Burning of fossil fuels.
Exhaust from automobiles.
Volcanic eruption.
Burning of coal.
Manufacturing, oil refineries and other industrial waste.
Power plants release harmful gases.
All these activities release oxides of sulphur, carbon and nitrogen which is the main cause of acid rain.
Effects of Acid Rain
Acid rain pollutes aquatic environment which leads to the death of many marine organisms.
Acid rain leaches nutrients from the soil like aluminium, magnesium, etc.
It decreases the fertility of the soil by decreasing nitrate level.
Discolouration and foliage of leaves.
Withering and shrinking of leaves.
It kills many useful bacterias which are useful for the environment.
It causes skin diseases in human beings.
It causes irritation in the eyes.
Sometimes it leads to the inflammation of the respiratory tract.
It damages the buildings and monuments made up of stones and metals.
Prevention of Acid Rain
Uses clean sources of energy such as CNG instead of petroleum and diesel.
Remove sulphur dioxide from flue gas.
Remove oxides of sulphur and oxides of nitrogen before releasing.
Use public transport to lessen the exhaust from automobiles.
Use LPG for cooking purposes instead of a gas fire.
Use higher chimneys to reduce the exhaust of harmful gases.
Examples of Acid Rain
Statue of Libertywhich is made of copper which has been destroyed by culminating action of acid rain and oxidation for 30 years, therefore it is becoming green in colour.
Taj Mahal is one of the 7 wonders of the world which are made up of white marble. It has turned yellow in colour due to acid rain.
