Acid Rain

Where in the World?

Acid rain is mainly a problem in developed countries, especially those with a lot of power stations which emit toxic gases.

• The countries which burn a lot of fossil fuels

• UK• North America• Europe

• Countries in Asia which are developing very fast and industrializing.

• China• India• Japan• Trade winds blow the toxic gases which create

Acid Rain from the UK to:• Norway• Sweden• Germany• Scandinavia

Causes of Acid RainAcid Rain primarily consists of two

compounds: 30 % nitric acid (chemical formula: HNO3) 70 % sulphuric acid (chemical formula:

H2SO4).

Primary Pollutants of Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide:

• Coal powered power stations• Exhausts from cars, trucks and other vehicles• Industries • Burning of Fossil Fuels

ImpactsBiosphere (Plants and Animals):

Acid Rain dissolves all the nutrients and the useful minerals for the tree to live and grow.

• Toxins (aluminum), clog the roots of the trees so they cannot soak up water to grow and to live.

• Acid clouds drain the nutrients from the leaves of the trees and plants whilst removing the wax layer which protect the leaves.

• Weakens the process of photosynthesis.• The lack of nutrients enables the plant/tree to

weaken, making the trees prone to diseases and insects which could kill them.

ImpactsLithosphere (rocks

and soil):• Acid rain dissolves

marble, ruin many famous statues and loses their features

• Buildings and houses are ruined

• Ancient monuments can never be replaced

• Repairing the damages costs billions of dollars.

Impacts

Atmosphere:

• The sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases, causes respiratory diseases.

• asthma • chronic bronchitis. • Tiny Particles cause difficulty in breathing

for humans and animals.• This can also lead to permanent lung

damage

ImpactsHydrosphere:

• Once a pH of 7 (neutral) can fall to 4-5.

• Many fish are poisoned and die due to the acidity of the water.

• The food chain is completely interrupted. The animals which are not affected by the acidity die due to starvation.

• Humans and animals can become ill if eating a fish which is filled with toxins.

• The aluminum in the soils due to Acid rain destroys the marine plant life.

Impacts

Man:• Respiratory problems and lung damage. • Low visibility - traffic accidents.• Illnesses such as cancer, which lead to

the deaths of many lives. • Farmers can be become unemployed as

the crops are not well nourished • Companies need to pay millions of

dollars to repair any building damages due to the acid rain.

Solutions

Short Term

• Limestone to neutralize the acid to decrease acid levels

• Use public transport or carpool to reduce the emissions from the car exhaust.

• “Catalytic converters” change the toxic gases into less polluting gases which reduces risk of lung illnesses.

Solutions

Long Term:This is an international problem• countries need to make agreements.• Sulphur and nitrogen gas emissions

should be reduced • Decrease of burning of fossil fuels.• Alternative energy sources