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ACID RAIN
Acid rain is a broad term that refers to precipitation (rain,
snow, sleet, fog, or dry deposition) that contains higherthan-normal levels of acidic components, primarily
sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃)
...


CHEMISTRY OF ACID RAIN
Formation of Acid Rain
Acid rain is primarily caused by the release of sulfur
dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) into the
atmosphere
...

i
...
g
...
g
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In the atmosphere, SO₂ reacts with oxygen (O₂) to
form sulfur trioxide (SO₃):
2SO2(g)+O2(g)→2SO3(g)

Sulfur trioxide then reacts with water (H₂O) to form
sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄):
SO3(g)+H2O(l)→H2SO4(aq)
ii
...
In the
atmosphere, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) reacts with water to
form nitric acid (HNO₃):
3NO2(g)+H2O(l) →2HNO3(aq) +NO(g)
iii
...


pH OF ACID RAIN
Normal rainwater is slightly acidic, with a pH of
around 5
...
6, typically ranging from
4
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4, but it can be even lower in heavily polluted
areas
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 Decomposition of organic matter produces nitrogen
oxides
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Anthropogenic (Human-Made) Sources
 Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) in
power plants, industries, and vehicles
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 Agricultural activities, including the use of fertilizers
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Aquatic Ecosystems:
 Acid rain lowers the pH of lakes, rivers, and
streams, harming aquatic life
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 Aluminum leaching from soil into water
bodies further exacerbates toxicity
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Forests and Soil:
 Acid rain damages tree leaves and needles,
reducing photosynthesis
...
g
...

 It releases toxic metals like aluminum,
which harm plant roots
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Buildings and Monuments
 Acid rain reacts with limestone, marble, and
other building materials, causing erosion
and deterioration:
CaCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) →CaSO4(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

Human Health Effects
Acid rain can contribute to respiratory problems (e
...
,
asthma, bronchitis) due to the inhalation of fine
particulate matter
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MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Reducing Emissions
i
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ii
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iii
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g
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POLICY MEASURES
Implementing regulations like the Clean Air Act (in
the U
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) to limit emissions of SO₂ and NOₓ
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RESTORATION EFFORTS
Liming of lakes and soils to neutralize acidity and
restore ecosystems
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Its effects on ecosystems, human health, and
infrastructure are profound, but through scientific
understanding, technological advancements, and policy
measures, significant progress has been made in
mitigating its impact
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