form of air pollution

also known as acid deposition has pH of 5.0 or less

occurs mostly in the Northern Hemisphere --

the more industrialized (eastern North America and throughout Europe, and in Japan, and China)

 Wet deposition mixed with water may occur thousands of kilometers away from pollution sources Dry deposition more harmful occurs close to the emission points

 Soil Surface Waters Plants and Animals Man-made Structures Human Health

 Acid rain dissolves and washes away nutrients

needed by plants

Acidification of soil increases the exchange

between hydrogen ion and nutrients such as potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca).

Dissolves toxic substances, such as aluminum

and mercury, which are naturally present in some soils

 Makes lakes uninhabitable for fish and other

wildlife

Nitrogen-rich water supports massive algae

growth and algal blooms

 If a population of one plant or animal is adversely

affected by acid rain, animals that feed on that organism may also suffer.

Land animals dependent on aquatic organisms are

also affected.

 By removing useful nutrients from

the soil, acid rain slows the growth of plants, especially trees

Low pH levels cause leaves and

needles to discolor and decline

Destroys waxy coating of leaves and

needles, causing brown dead spots

 Ultimately, an entire ecosystem may become endangered Below a pH of 4.5, water is nearly sterile, unable to support any

wildlife

Acid deposition speeds up natural weathering caused by rain, sun, snow and wind Old buildings, monuments and tombstones bear the smooth signs of acidic corrosion and deterioration. Both the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, are deteriorating due to acid pollution

 Causes little direct harm to people. It is safe to swim

in even the most acidified lakes

Acids join with other chemicals to produce urban

smog

Sulfate and nitrate particulates of dry deposition can

cause asthma, bronchitis and heart problems

Toxic substances leached

from soil can pollute local water supplies

 use less energy from fossil fuels switching to cleaner-burning fuels powdered limestone can be added to water or

soil to neutralize the acid dropping from the sky

exposed surfaces vulnerable to acid rain

destruction can be coated with acid-resistant paints