by Nakita Leigh Wright
What is acid rain?
Acid rain occurs when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) enter into the atmosphere and mix with oxygen, water and other chemical which form nitric and sulphuric acid. The main sources of these acids are because of fossil fuels combustion e.g. when gas and smoke from burning coal mix together with the moisture in the air.
Once the chemicals have combined and produced nitric and sulphuric acids they are absorbed by water droplets in clouds. The acidic droplets then fall towards earth in forms of rain, mist, snow, hail or sleet (snow that melts while falling).
pH scales are commonly used in measuring the acidity of liquid like waters such as rain; in different regions Acidic rain has a pH of between 0 and 5. Clean rain has a pH of 5.3, which is slightly acidic because of the carbon dioxide dissolving into it which is normal because it’s found in the atmosphere.
Effects of acid rain
Acid rain effects us and our environment in so many different ways such as our trees and historical artifacts being destroyed (destroying history), animals as their habitats are also being destroyed, our animals and lakes being poisoned which can result in the death of many animals and can also effect humans that eat fish from these poisoned lakes.
When factories, power plants and other sources release nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxides the wind can blow them over hundreds of miles effecting different countries, which will affect animals and humans.
Main effects of acid rain:
· Trees – Trees are a very important natural resource. They provide homes and forests to wildlife, they control local climate and provide wood. When acid rain falls on these trees they become damaged and loose their leaves and needles. When trees absorb soil that has come in contact with acid rain it can affect the trees as well such as, they can suffer from damaged bark and leaves which could make them very vulnerable to diseases and insects.
· Lakes – Lakes are also very important to both animals and humans. Lakes provide food such as fish to both animals and humans. When acid rain pollutes lakes, fish start to die or become very sick depending on the acidity of the rain, birds and frogs can also die from the poisoned lakes, such as when the birds eat the toxic fish and insects. Acid rain can affect the growth of fish and reproduction. Acid rain can affect humans; as well such as if we were to eat a toxic fish it could result in blood poisoning, brain damage and kidney problems.
What can society do about acid rain: First of all, we need to understand the affects of acid rain, and how it affects our environment and our future. We can reduce the burning of fossil fuels, which include electricity and oil-fired power plants and use different energy sources such as nuclear power, wind and solar energy. We could also use battery-powered cars, fuel cells and natural gas powered cars. These changes can be very expensive so for those who can’t afford it they could make sure that when they are not using certain things they should turn them off such as turning off lights and appliances. They could also walk, bicycle or take public transport if planning on going somewhere.
Other things society can do to prevent acid rain:
· Buy locally grown foods, they don’t require transportation.
· Run the dishwasher only when it is full
· Hang your wet clothes instead of tumble drying them
· Don’t use air conditioners
· Insulate your house better so you don’t have to use heaters as often
References:
http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/forests/global_warming.cfm
http://www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/eae/english.html
http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&q=acid+rain – pictures (Effects of Acid Rain and Cycles of How Acid Rain*)
http://www.ec.gc.ca/acidrain/
http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/what/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid_rain
http://www.policyalmanac.org/environment/archive/acid_rain.shtml
http://www.geocities.com/narilily/acidrain.html
http://parentingteens.about.com/cs/homeworkhelp/l/blscpro30.htm
http://www.ec.gc.ca/acidrain/done-you.htmlWhat is Acid Rain?
