Facts about Acid Rain

Acid rain is a severe environmental problem and affects various regions, mostly in the USA and Canada. It is harmful to the surroundings which includes lakes, streams, woodlands, and floras and faunas who survive in these ecosystems. It is fundamentally caused due to poisonous gases which are emitted from the Earth's surface in the atmosphere. It may be related to the acid deposition which includes wet deposition and dry deposition.

Wet Depositions
Acidic rain, acidic fog, and acidic snow are elements of the wet deposits. If the acid chemicals present in the atmosphere travel into regions which have wet weather, the acids can drop on the surface of the Earth through rain, snow, fog, or even mist. The acidic water flows on the ground surface and through the ground, which has a contrary effect on various plants and animals. The degree of the consequences count on many factors, including how much acid the water contains, and the type and chemistry of the soil which gets in contact with the acidic water. It also harms fish, trees and other living beings which are dependent on water.

Dry Depositions
In regions of dry atmosphere, the acid chemicals get mixed with dust or smoke, and drop on the Earth's surface in the form of dry depositions which sediment to the ground, and on skyscrapers, houses, cars, and trees. These deposits are then washed off by rains, after which the rainwater causes the acid chemicals to become more acidic. Around 50% of the acidity in the air drops back on Earth by means of dry deposition.

Chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are the chief reasons for acid rains which occur due to the reaction that takes place after burning fossil fuels such as coal. They have a ruinous effect on the environment which includes woodlands, soil, fish, and other living things. The bionomical effects are generally visible in water bodies such as lakes and watercourses. As the acid water flows through the watersheds, the aluminum which is present in the soil is discharged in the rivers and lakes situated in that watershed. As a result, the level of hydrogen lowers and that of aluminum increases, which can be instantly fatal to the fish. According to surveys, the most prominent source of nitrogen oxide in the emanations in both Canada and the USA is transportation. In the USA, sulfur dioxide emissions are mostly caused due to electric utilities.

As energy production is a reason for acidic depositions, we need to cut down on our energy uses. This would result in conserving energy, along with the prevention of acid rains which have a catastrophic environmental effect. Plants, human beings, and fish are mostly harmed by the deposition of acids on the ground and water. It has a bad effect on human health and may damage our lungs, and also affects fish which die due to the acidic water.

However, there are some measures which can be taken by human beings to prevent sources of acid rains. Smokestacks and exhaust pipes need to be kept clean, as all the electrical energy is generated from burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. Lights, computers, and other electrical and electronic appliances need to be turned off when not in use. It is recommended to keep the thermostat temperature at 68° F in winter and 72° F in the summertime. Historical monuments and buildings also end up being damaged by these acid rains.

Moreover, people need to be educated regarding the after-effects of acid rain over time. If the necessary steps are not taken, there is a possibility of the instances of acid rain rising enormously.