Acid Rain

Acid rain

       Acid rain is to precipitation containing higher than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. Acid rain results from both natural sources, such as volcanoes and decaying vegetation, and man-made sources, primarily emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x). Acid rain occurs when these gases react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form various acidic compounds. The result is a mild solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released from power plants and other sources, prevailing winds blow these compounds across state and national borders, sometimes over hundreds of miles. For an example majority of acid rain in Canada is due to pollution sent in by the USA.

       Acid rain causes a cascade of effects that harm or kill individual fish, reduce fish population numbers, completely eliminate fish species and decrease biodiversity. As acid rain flows through soils in a watershed, aluminum is released from soils into the lakes and streams located in that watershed. So, as pH in a lake or stream decreases, aluminum levels increase. Both low pH and increased aluminum levels are directly toxic to fish. In addition, low pH and increased aluminum levels cause chronic stress that may not kill individual fish, but leads to lower body weight and smaller size and makes fish less able to compete for food and habitat. As a result the fishing industry will be hit really hard with the loss of its merchandise. Fishermen and fish farmers around the world will most likely have to find other jobs and consuming fish may be considered deadly or impossible in the near future.     

    Together, biological organisms and the environment in which they live are called an ecosystem. The plants and animals living within an ecosystem are highly interdependent. For example, frogs may tolerate relatively high levels of acidity, but if they eat insects like the mayfly, they may be affected because part of their food supply may disappear. Because of the connections between the many fish, plants, and other organisms living in an aquatic ecosystem, changes in pH or aluminum levels affect biodiversity as well. Thus, as lakes and streams become more acidic, the numbers and types of fish and other aquatic plants and animals that live in these waters decrease.

     Aside from aquatic effects, acid rain also affects agriculture and lumber industries. Since acid rain erodes everything it touches, plants are in constant danger. The high pH level can cause many crops to die out thus leaving farmers with no product to sell. This in return causes food shortages and a loss of income to many families around the world. With the lumber industry, many trees simply die or become weak due to acid rain. This causes a loss of habitat to many animals and a loss of wood, and pulp for industries.

          The pollutants that cause acid rain—sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—do damage human health. These gases interact in the atmosphere to form fine sulfate and nitrate particles that can be transported long distances by winds and inhaled deep into people's lungs. This relationship between the two pollutants increases illness and premature death from heart and lung disorders, such as asthma and bronchitis. Humans can become seriously ill, and can even die from the effects of acid rain. One of the major problems that acid rain can cause in a human being is respiratory problems. Many can find it difficult to breathe, especially people who have asthma. Asthma, along with dry coughs, headaches, and throat irritations can be caused by the sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides from acid rain. Acid rain can be absorbed by both plants and animals. When humans eat these plants or animals, the toxins inside of their meals can affect them. Brain damage, kidney problems, and Alzheimer's disease have been linked to people eating "toxic" animals/plants.