About two thirds of the sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere comes from natural sources.

People, however, play a large role in contributing to the environmental impact of sulfur dioxide Assess the validity of this statement and the overall impact of sulfur dioxide on the environment. (6 marks) Although sulfur dioxide is released into the air from volcanic eruptions and hot springs, these natural levels are extremely low, but people do play a large role in contributing to the environmental impact of sulfur dioxide. Human activities can pollute the air of a region by releasing SO2 from: 1. Fossil fuels, coal and petroleum products etc which contain certain amounts of sulphur, when burnt in air S(s) + O2 (g) SO2 (g) 2. Geothermal plants for production of electricity 3. Refining/smelting of metal from metal sulphide ores lead(II) sulphide + oxygen lead + sulphur dioxide PbS(s) + O2 (g) Pb(s) + SO2 (g) The main problem with SO2 pollution is its acidity, as when SO2 reacts with water in the environment: sulfur dioxide + water sulfurous acid SO2(g) + H2O(l) H2SO3(aq) Sulfurous acid is a strong acid, and the acidity of rainfall can sting the eyes, corrode metals and erode stone buildings and monuments. Lakes and wetlands can become acidic enough to kill plants and animals, as well as disrupting the food-chains and the normal ecological balance. Deforestation can also occur due to the acidity of the rain and the leaching of the soils by acids.