The term acid precipitation or acid rain describes the wet form of acid pollution that can be found in rain, sleet, snow, fog, and cloud vapor. In general, the pH of acid rain ranges between 5. 0 to 5.6 and this is because of natural atmospheric reactions involving carbon dioxide. In fact, some sites in eastern North America have precipitation pH is as low as 2.3 (Pidwirny n.pag). Such precipitation can have an immense adverse effect on all kinds of life. Acid precipitation occurs due to the secondary pollutants that form from the oxidation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) or sulfur dioxide (SO2) gases that are released into the atmosphere. Industrial activities and vehicular pollution are the main cause reason for NOx and SO2 gases. Additionally, these gases are also released into the atmosphere due to volcanic eruptions. Studies have found that further reactions within the atmosphere can convert these pollutants into nitric acid or sulfuric acid.
Acid deposition both in the dry form as well as in the wet form influences the environment and the associated living organisms in several different ways. For instance, in aquatic systems, acid precipitation can affect these ecosystems by lowering their pH. The impact of acid rain is not the same for all organisms. It is common that streams, ponds, or lakes that are present on bedrock or sediments rich in minerals such as calcium and/or magnesium are obviously buffered from the effects of acid precipitation. Acid precipitation can kill even the adult fishes in the aquatic system (Pidwirny n.pag).
Another most important problem is that acidified lakes contain high concentrations of toxic heavy metals such as mercury, aluminum, and cadmium. Though these heavy metals are present in the soil and bedrock surrounding the water body, these chemicals are found locked in clay particles, minerals, and rocks. However, the acidification caused due to acid precipitation can unlock these chemicals from the terrestrial soils and bedrock and is found in the soluble form. These heavy metals in the soluble are toxic and are easily leached by infiltrating water into aquatic systems (Pidwirny n.pag). In other words, the most hazardous environmental problem by acid precipitation is the increased solubilization and mobilization of toxic metals. These toxic metals then enter the food chain and get accumulated at higher levels. Therefore, studies have predicted that adverse health effects could follow after increased human exposure (Gerhardsson et al 237-245).
The terrestrial land and soil can get seriously damaged by acid rain. It may directly affect some of the tropical microbes that are not able to tolerate an acidic environment. However, there are some microbes that can rapidly consume acids (Rodhe et al. 4382-4388). The microbes that are generally killed are because the acid can denature the life-supporting enzymes. In fact, scientists have found that the hydronium ions that are present in acid rain can also leach away essential nutrients and minerals (US EPA n.pag). Acid precipitation can also be harmful to agriculture due to the nutrient leach. As a result of this, the plants may exhibit stunted growth.
There are also other problems that are caused due to acid rain. For instance, one of the seven wonders of the world the Taj Mahal in India is being damaged due to this. Acid rain can cause damage to certain building materials and historical monuments. The reason behind this is the sulfuric acid in the rain chemically reacts with the calcium compounds in the stones such as the limestone, sandstone, marble, and granite to create gypsum, which then flakes off. Besides, it can also cause rusting of iron or enhance the rate of oxidation for iron (US EPA n.pag).
Human health can be seriously impacted due to acid rain. Though it is difficult to realize the acidic nature of rain, the pollutants that cause acid rain can damage human health. There are studies that have identified a relationship between high levels of fine particles of the pollutants and increased illness and premature death from heart and lung disorders, such as asthma and bronchitis (US EPA n.pag). Therefore, it is essential to take necessary actions to reduce the pollutants in the atmosphere and make the earth a safe place to live.
Work Cited
Gerhardsson L., Oskarsson A, and Skerfving S. Acid precipitation–effects on trace elements and human health. Sci Total Environ. 1994;153(3):237-245.
Pidwirny, M. Acid Precipitation. Fundamentals of Physical Geography, 2nd Edition. (2006). Web.
Rodhe, H., Dentener, F. and Schulz, M. The Global Distribution of Acidifying Wet Deposition. Environmental Science & Technology. Vol 36 (20) (October 2002) p. 4382-4388.
US EPA Effects of Acid Rain (2007). Web.