Vishal Thoutam

2/13/23
0484825
Period 6
7.1: ACID DEPOSITION
7.1.1
Acid Deposition – Mix of air pollutants that deposit from the atmosphere as acidic wet
deposition (with a pH <5.6) or acidic dry deposition.

7.1.2
Acid rain is a type of acid deposition, which can appear in many forms. Wet deposition is rain,
sleet, snow, or fog that has become more acidic than normal. Dry deposition is another form of
acid deposition, and this is when gases and dust particles become acidic.

7.1.3
Acid deposition, commonly known as acid rain, occurs when emissions from the combustion of
fossil fuels and other industrial processes undergo complex chemical reactions in the atmosphere
and fall to the earth as wet deposition (rain, snow, cloud, fog) or dry deposition (dry particles,
gas).
1. Acidic gases are released into the atmosphere
2. Gases carried upwards by the wind
3. Gases combine with water droplets to form acids
4. Acid rain
5. Acid rain destroys plants, pollutes water sources and soil and erodes buildings

7.1.4
The acidification of surface waters can lead to declines in the fish population. Acidic water also
affects aquatic plants and insects that are eaten by fish.
Dead or dying trees are a common sight in areas effected by acid rain. Acid rain also causes
aluminum to be released into the soil, which makes it difficult for trees to take up water. Acid
rain that seeps into the ground can dissolve nutrients, such as magnesium and calcium, that trees
need to be healthy.
When acid rain and dry acidic particles fall to earth, the nitric and sulfuric acid that make the
particles acidic can land on statues, buildings, and other manmade structures, and damage their
surfaces. The acidic particles corrode metal and cause paint and stone to deteriorate more
quickly.