Introduction:
Acid rain refers to precipitation, such as rain, snow, or fog, containing elevated levels of acidic compounds, primarily sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3). This environmental challenge arises when these acidic pollutants interact with water vapor in the atmosphere.
Body:
Acid Rain: With a typical pH range of 4-5, acid rain negatively impacts aquatic life, plants, freshwater, and structures. It manifests in two forms:
- Wet Deposition: Acid combines with water, leading to wet forms like acid rain, sleet, snow, and fog.
- Dry Deposition: Involving dust and gases, it results in dry forms settling on surfaces like vehicles, buildings, and trees.
Causes of Acid Rain:
- Fossil Fuel Combustion: Burning coal, oil, and natural gas in power plants, industries, and vehicles releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
- Industrial Processes: Manufacturing, chemical production, and metal smelting contribute pollutants to the atmosphere.
- Transportation: Vehicle emissions, especially from diesel engines, significantly contribute to nitrogen oxide emissions.
- Agriculture: The use of nitrogen-based fertilizers releases nitrogen oxides into the air.
- Natural Sources: While human activities are primary contributors, natural sources like volcanoes can release sulfur dioxide.
Consequences of Acid Rain:
- Effects on Humans: Acid rain pollutants generate harmful PM2.5, reducing visibility and causing respiratory and skin irritation, leading to health issues.
- Effects on Soil: Acid rain depletes soil nutrients, impacting fertility, particularly in regions with strong buffering capacity like alkaline soils in India.
- Effects on Aquatic Life: pH changes harm fish, frogs, and aquatic organisms, affecting reproductive cycles, ecosystem productivity, and microbial populations in acidic lakes.
- Effects on Buildings and Monuments: Acid rain damages historical structures and artworks, dissolving limestone and marble. Iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal suffer from acid rain-related deterioration known as “Marble Cancer.”
Conclusion:
Addressing acid rain necessitates mitigating its causes through emission reduction, embracing clean energy, and safeguarding the environment from its corrosive impact. This complex environmental issue stems from human activities, demanding concerted efforts for a sustainable and resilient future.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
