{"id":31964,"date":"2024-03-04T10:46:49","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T10:46:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=31964"},"modified":"2024-03-04T10:46:51","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T10:46:51","slug":"acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/","title":{"rendered":"Acid Rain \u2013 Acidification &#8211; UPSC Environment Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>Acid rain pertains to any form of precipitation (rain, fog, mist, snow) exhibiting higher acidity than usual (with a pH level below 5.6, as a pH below 7 indicates acidity). The occurrence of acid rain is attributed to atmospheric pollution stemming from acidic gases, such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, released during the combustion of fossil fuels. Additionally, it is acknowledged that acidic smog, fog, and mist migrate out of the atmosphere and adhere to dust particles, subsequently accumulating on vegetation as acid depositions. Consequently, when precipitation, like rain, transpires, the acid derived from these depositions permeates and gives rise to acid dews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e419e916eab\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e419e916eab\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#GASES_THAT_CAUSE_ACID_RAIN\" title=\"GASES THAT CAUSE ACID RAIN\">GASES THAT CAUSE ACID RAIN<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Origin_of_Acidic_Gases\" title=\"Origin of Acidic Gases:\">Origin of Acidic Gases:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Sulphur_Oxides_SOx\" title=\"Sulphur Oxides (SOx):\">Sulphur Oxides (SOx):<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Sources\" title=\"Sources:\">Sources:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Nitrogen_Oxides_NOx_%E2%80%93_NO_NO2_and_N2O\" title=\"Nitrogen Oxides (NOx &#8211; NO, NO2, and N2O):\">Nitrogen Oxides (NOx &#8211; NO, NO2, and N2O):<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Sources-2\" title=\"Sources:\">Sources:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#CHEMISTRY_OF_ACID_RAIN_%E2%80%93_ACIDIFICATION\" title=\"CHEMISTRY OF ACID RAIN &#8211; ACIDIFICATION\">CHEMISTRY OF ACID RAIN &#8211; ACIDIFICATION<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#HARMFUL_EFFECTS_OF_ACID_RAINS\" title=\"HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ACID RAINS\">HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ACID RAINS<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Effects_on_Humans\" title=\"Effects on Humans:\">Effects on Humans:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Effects_on_Soil\" title=\"Effects on Soil:\">Effects on Soil:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Effects_on_Aquatic_Life\" title=\"Effects on Aquatic Life:\">Effects on Aquatic Life:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Effects_on_Terrestrial_Life\" title=\"Effects on Terrestrial Life:\">Effects on Terrestrial Life:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Effects_on_Microorganisms\" title=\"Effects on Microorganisms:\">Effects on Microorganisms:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Effects_on_Buildings_and_Monuments\" title=\"Effects on Buildings and Monuments:\">Effects on Buildings and Monuments:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_ACID_RAIN_%E2%80%93_ACIDIFICATION\" title=\"FAQs &#8211; ACID RAIN &#8211; ACIDIFICATION\">FAQs &#8211; ACID RAIN &#8211; ACIDIFICATION<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q1_What_is_acid_rain_and_how_is_it_defined\" title=\"Q1: What is acid rain, and how is it defined?\">Q1: What is acid rain, and how is it defined?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q2_What_causes_the_occurrence_of_acid_rain\" title=\"Q2: What causes the occurrence of acid rain?\">Q2: What causes the occurrence of acid rain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q3_Are_there_other_forms_of_acidic_atmospheric_phenomena_besides_rain\" title=\"Q3: Are there other forms of acidic atmospheric phenomena besides rain?\">Q3: Are there other forms of acidic atmospheric phenomena besides rain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q4_How_does_acid_rain_form_chemically\" title=\"Q4: How does acid rain form, chemically?\">Q4: How does acid rain form, chemically?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q5_What_are_the_sources_of_Sulphur_Oxides_SOx_and_Nitrogen_Oxides_NOx\" title=\"Q5: What are the sources of Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)?\">Q5: What are the sources of Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q6_What_are_the_harmful_effects_of_acid_rain_on_humans\" title=\"Q6: What are the harmful effects of acid rain on humans?\">Q6: What are the harmful effects of acid rain on humans?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Q7_How_does_acid_rain_affect_soil\" title=\"Q7: How does acid rain affect soil?\">Q7: How does acid rain affect soil?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/acid-rain-acidification-upsc-environment-notes\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GASES_THAT_CAUSE_ACID_RAIN\"><\/span><strong>GASES T<\/strong>HAT CAUSE<strong> ACID RAIN<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Origin_of_Acidic_Gases\"><\/span><strong>Origin of Acidic Gases:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sulphur_Oxides_SOx\"><\/span><strong><em>Sulphur Oxides (SOx):<\/em><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources\"><\/span>Sources:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Fossil Fuel Burning<\/li><li>Power Plants<\/li><li>Smelting of Metal Sulphide Ores<\/li><li>Industrial Sources<\/li><li>Industrial Production of Sulfuric Acid in Metallurgical, Chemical, and Fertilizer Industries<\/li><li>Volcanoes<\/li><li>Seas and Oceans<\/li><li>Decomposition of Organic Matter<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nitrogen_Oxides_NOx_%E2%80%93_NO_NO2_and_N2O\"><\/span><strong><em>Nitrogen Oxides (NOx &#8211; NO, NO2, and N2O):<\/em><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources-2\"><\/span>Sources:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Fossil Fuel Burning<\/li><li>Lightning<\/li><li>Biomass Burning<\/li><li>Forest Fires<\/li><li>Oceans<\/li><li>Power Plants<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CHEMISTRY_OF_ACID_RAIN_%E2%80%93_ACIDIFICATION\"><\/span><strong>CHEMISTRY OF ACID RAIN &#8211; ACIDIFICATION<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The formation of acid rain involves six basic steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Emission of Oxides:<\/strong><ul><li>The atmosphere receives oxides of sulphur and nitrogen from both natural sources and human-made activities.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Dry Deposition:<\/strong><ul><li>Some of these oxides fall directly to the ground as dry deposition, either near their source or at a considerable distance.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Sunlight Activation:<\/strong><ul><li>Sunlight plays a role in stimulating the formation of photo-oxidants, including ozone, in the atmosphere.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Chemical Interaction:<\/strong><ul><li>Photo-oxidants interact with the oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, as well as other gases like ammonia (NH3).<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Acid Formation:<\/strong><ul><li>The chemical interaction leads to the production of sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) through oxidation.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Wet Deposition:<\/strong><ul><li>Acid rain, containing ions of sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, and hydrogen, falls to the ground as wet deposition.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HARMFUL_EFFECTS_OF_ACID_RAINS\"><\/span><strong>HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ACID RAINS<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_on_Humans\"><\/span><strong>Effects on Humans:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Acid precipitation, with its detrimental consequences, adversely affects both aquatic and terrestrial organisms.&nbsp;<\/li><li>It also poses significant threats to buildings and monuments. The repercussions on human health include unpleasant odors, reduced visibility, and irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Direct health impacts encompass chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, and an increased risk of cancer.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_on_Soil\"><\/span><strong>Effects on Soil:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Acid rain induces leaching of essential nutrients in the soil, leading to decreased fertility.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The exchange between hydrogen ions and nutrient cations, such as potassium and magnesium, causes nutrient leaching.&nbsp;<\/li><li>This process results in an increase in ammonia levels and a decrease in nitrate levels, affecting decomposition rates.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Notably, the impact on soil in India is relatively less due to the alkaline nature of Indian soils, which exhibit good buffering ability.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_on_Aquatic_Life\"><\/span><strong>Effects on Aquatic Life:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Acid rain has detrimental effects on aquatic organisms, affecting their reproductive processes and life cycles.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The eggs and sperm of fish, frogs, and other aquatic organisms are sensitive to pH changes.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Acidic lake waters can lead to the unproductivity and death of microbes. Additionally, acid rain can release metals bound in soils into the aquatic environment.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_on_Terrestrial_Life\"><\/span><strong>Effects on Terrestrial Life:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Acid rain damages the cuticle of plant leaves and reduces photosynthesis.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The acidic medium promotes leaching of heavy metals like aluminum, lead, and mercury, affecting soil microorganisms.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Indirect impacts on wildlife include the loss or alteration of food and habitat resources.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_on_Microorganisms\"><\/span><strong>Effects on Microorganisms:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The pH level plays a crucial role in determining the proliferation of microbial species. Most bacteria and protozoa prefer a near-neutral pH, while fungi thrive in an acidic environment.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The shift in pH levels can alter the composition of microbial species in soil and water, causing a delay in the decomposition of organic material.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_on_Buildings_and_Monuments\"><\/span><strong>Effects on Buildings and Monuments:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Historical buildings, monuments, and artworks are adversely affected by acid rain.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Limestone and marble, commonly used in historical structures, are particularly susceptible to dissolution and flaking due to acid fumes in the air.&nbsp;<\/li><li>This phenomenon, often referred to as &#8220;Marble Cancer,&#8221; has affected renowned structures like the Taj Mahal in Agra.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_ACID_RAIN_%E2%80%93_ACIDIFICATION\"><\/span><strong>FAQs &#8211; ACID RAIN &#8211; ACIDIFICATION<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q1_What_is_acid_rain_and_how_is_it_defined\"><\/span>Q1: What is acid rain, and how is it defined?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A1: Acid rain refers to any form of precipitation, including rain, fog, mist, and snow, that exhibits higher acidity than normal, characterized by a pH level below 5.6. A pH below 7 indicates acidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q2_What_causes_the_occurrence_of_acid_rain\"><\/span>Q2: What causes the occurrence of acid rain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A2: Acid rain is primarily caused by atmospheric pollution resulting from acidic gases, such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These gases are released during the combustion of fossil fuels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q3_Are_there_other_forms_of_acidic_atmospheric_phenomena_besides_rain\"><\/span>Q3: Are there other forms of acidic atmospheric phenomena besides rain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A3: Yes, besides rain, acidic smog, fog, and mist can form in the atmosphere. These acidic components migrate and settle on dust particles, accumulating on vegetation as acid depositions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q4_How_does_acid_rain_form_chemically\"><\/span>Q4: How does acid rain form, chemically?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A4: The formation of acid rain involves several steps. Oxides of sulphur and nitrogen are emitted into the atmosphere, some of which fall as dry deposition. Sunlight stimulates the formation of photo-oxidants, leading to the interaction with these oxides and the production of sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3). Acid rain, containing various ions, then falls as wet deposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q5_What_are_the_sources_of_Sulphur_Oxides_SOx_and_Nitrogen_Oxides_NOx\"><\/span>Q5: What are the sources of Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A5: Sulphur Oxides (SOx): Fossil fuel burning, power plants, smelting of metal sulphide ores, industrial sources, industrial production of sulfuric acid, volcanoes, seas and oceans, decomposition of organic matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q6_What_are_the_harmful_effects_of_acid_rain_on_humans\"><\/span>Q6: What are the harmful effects of acid rain on humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A6: Acid rain negatively impacts both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. For humans, it can result in bad smells, reduced visibility, and irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, and an increased risk of cancer are direct health effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q7_How_does_acid_rain_affect_soil\"><\/span>Q7: How does acid rain affect soil?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A7: Acid rain induces leaching of essential nutrients in the soil, making it infertile. The exchange between hydrogen ions and nutrient cations causes leaching, resulting in increased ammonia levels and decreased nitrate levels. However, the impact on soil in India is comparatively less due to the alkaline nature of Indian soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. 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