ACID RAIN
by Ezekiel Peay
WHAT IS ACID RAIN
CAUSES
1. Acid rain is causes by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air
2. Also acid rain is caused by reactions in the environment. Normal precipitation such as rain, sleet, hail, and snow react with alkaline chemical(non-acidic) which usually neutralizes natural acids however if precipitation becomes to acidic, the materials may not be able to neutralize all the acids.
What are the effects
Acid rain:
1. Harms forests
Acid rain seeps into the ground and can dissolve nutrients like magnesium and calcium that trees need to be healthy
2.Causes ground level ozone
This leads to respiratory problems, like pneumonia and bronchitis
3.Creates acidic clouds and fog
This strips important nutrients from trees and makes it easier for them to get infections, insects, and cold weather damage killing the natural forest
4.Causes aluminum to be released
This makes it difficult for the trees to take up water a vital nutrient
5. Causes lakes and streams to have a lower ph level.
normal lake sand streams have a PH level of about 6.5
6. Damages buildings and objects
Erodes, strips and discolors objects making them appear to be old and reduces their value
How are we reducing this problem
1.Pollution reducing devices such as scrubbers are being made to clean the gases going into the air.
2. Low sulfur coal is being used and coal is washed to remove the sulfur.