[11:42 am, 24/10/2023] Bharani Ammisetty: What is Acid Rain?

Acid Rain, as the name suggests, can be said as the precipitation of acid in the form of rain in the
simplest manner. When atmospheric pollutants like oxides of nitrogen and sulphur react with
rainwater and come down with the rain, then this results in Acid Rain.

Acid Rain Definition

Acid rain is made up of highly acidic water droplets due to air emissions, most specifically the
disproportionate levels of sulphur and nitrogen emitted by vehicles and manufacturing processes. It
is often called acid rain as this concept contains many types of acidic precipitation.

The acidic deposition takes place in two ways: wet and dry. Wet deposition is any form of
precipitation which removes acids from the atmosphere and places them on the surface of the
earth. In the absence of precipitation, dry deposition of polluting particles and gases sticks to the
ground through dust and smoke.

Causes of Acid Rain

The causes of acid rain are Sulphur and Nitrogen particles which get mixed with the wet components
of rain. Sulphur and Nitrogen particles which get mixed with water are found in two ways either
man-made i.e as the emissions that are given out from industries or by natural causes like lightning
strike in the atmosphere releasing nitrogen oxides and volcanic eruptions releasing sulphur oxide.

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, which considers him the “father of acid rain,” the word
acid rain was invented in 1852 by Scottish chemist Robert Angus Smith. Smith decided on the word
while studying rainwater chemistry near industrial towns in England and Scotland.

The regular clean rain we experience, even though it is not clean i.e water and carbon dioxide react
together to form weak carbonic acid which essentially by itself is not extremely harmful. The
reaction occurring is :

H2O (l) + CO2 (g) ⇌ H2CO3 (aq)

The pH value of regular rainwater is around 5.7, giving it an acidic nature. The oxides of nitrogen and
sulphur are blown away by the wind along with the dust particles. They settle on the earth’s surface
after coming down in the form of precipitation. Acid rain is essentially a by-product of human
activities which emit oxides of nitrogen and sulphur in the atmosphere. Example – the burning of
fossil fuels, unethical waste emission disposal techniques.

Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide undergo oxidation, and then they react with water resulting in
the formation of sulphuric acid and nitric acid, respectively. The following reaction will clarify the
acid formation reaction:

2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) + 2H2O (l) → 2H2SO4 (aq)

4NO2 (g) + O2 (g) + 2H2O (l) → 4HNO3 (aq)

Effects on Natural Areas:

Soil Degradation:
Acid rain contains sulfuric and nitric acids, which can lower the pH of soil. Soils have a natural
buffering capacity that can neutralize slight acidity, but in the case of continuous exposure to acid
rain, this buffering capacity can be overwhelmed.The decrease in soil pH can have a detrimental
effect on plant life. It can leach essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium from
the soil. These nutrients are vital for plant growth and overall health.Some plant species are more
sensitive to acidic soil conditions than others. Acidic soils can negatively affect their ability to take up
nutrients, leading to stunted growth or even plant death.

Water Bodies:
Acid rain that falls on the ground can flow into rivers, lakes, and streams, causing these water bodies
to become more acidic. This process is often referred to as "acidification."Acidic water is harmful to
aquatic life. Fish, in particular, can be severely affected as they require a specific pH range for
survival and reproduction. Acidic water can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, leading to declines
in fish populations.Organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as mollusks and some
species of plankton, are particularly vulnerable. Acidic water can cause these shells to dissolve,
harming the organisms that rely on them for protection.

Forests:
Acid rain can damage forests in multiple ways. The acidified soil can weaken tree roots, making them
more susceptible to toppling in strong winds and storms. The loss of essential nutrients from the soil,
such as calcium and magnesium, can affect tree health and growth. Some trees, like sugar maples,
are especially sensitive to calcium loss and can show signs of nutrient deficiency. Acid rain can also
directly damage the foliage of trees and other plants. It can lead to the leaching of nutrients from
leaves and disrupt the process of photosynthesis.

Wildlife:
Acid rain can have indirect effects on wildlife through its impact on plant and insect populations. As
plant species that are sensitive to acid rain decline, herbivorous animals may struggle to find suitable
food sources.Some bird species are highly specialized and rely on specific insect populations for their
diet. If acid rain reduces these insect populations, it can affect the bird species that depend on them,
potentially leading to population declines.

Effects on Urban Areas:

Infrastructure Damage:
Acid rain can corrode and degrade various building materials. Limestone and marble, which are
commonly used in architectural structures, are particularly vulnerable to acid rain. Over time, acid
rain can cause significant erosion and discoloration of these materials, affecting the aesthetic value
of historical buildings, statues, and monuments. Metal structures, including bridges, railings, and
vehicles, can also corrode more rapidly in acidic environments. This can result in higher maintenance
costs and reduced structural integrity.

Air Quality:
The pollutants that contribute to acid rain, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx),
also have adverse effects on air quality. These pollutants can irritate respiratory systems and
contribute to health problems, including asthma and bronchitis, in urban populations. Vehicles,
especially those with combustion engines, can emit sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which further
contribute to the problem.

Water Quality:
Urban water bodies can become acidified due to acid rain, which can harm aquatic ecosystems and
impact the quality of drinking water supplies.To counteract the effects of acid rain on water quality,
water treatment facilities may need to introduce neutralizing agents or adjust water treatment
processes to ensure the water's pH is within an acceptable range.
Vegetation:
Acid rain can damage vegetation in urban areas, including trees, parks, and gardens. This can reduce
the aesthetic and recreational value of urban green spaces.Trees in urban environments, which
provide essential shade and improve air quality, can be particularly affected. Weakened trees may
be more prone to disease and pest infestations, leading to dieback or tree removal.

Prevention of Acid Rain

The only precaution that we can take against acid rain is having a check at the emission of oxides of
nitrogen and sulphur.

Acid rain is harmful to animals, plants and the monuments.

Being responsible citizens, one should be aware of the harmful effects they cause and of the
industries which give out nitrogen and sulphur compound wastes unethically.