[The Carbon Cycle] ---- [Review of Cycles]
Acid Rain

(Acid Precipitation)

Any precipitation carrying dissolved acids from natural or man made causes.

Examples;

a. CO2 dissolves in H2O---------> Creates carbonic acid (H2CO3)

b. Sulfur dioxide (from internal combustion) mixes with H2O ---------> Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)

c. Nitogen oxides (from internal combustion) mixes with H2O ---------> Nitric Acid (HNO3)

 

*Acid precipitation may have a pH as low as 3. Very Acidic!

*Acids in the air may be carried thousands of miles from their source, polluting soil & water in pristine areas!

Consequences of Acid Rain

a) Trees (especially conifers) sensitive to low pH. Causes death of leaves, weakening trees.

b) Fish & aquatic insects sensitive to changes in pH. Causes death & disruption of food chains.

c) Minerals (K+, Mg+2, & Ca+2) leached from soil, making soil less fertile

d) Acidic H2O leaches Aluminum from soil. Aluminum ions toxic to fish & aquatic insects.

Prevention of Acid Rain

a) Require catalytic converters on auto & truck engines & factory smoke stacks.

b) Require that all chemical wastes be neutralized before disposal.

c) Convert to hydrogen fuels, solar or wind for energy.

Online Animations of Acid Precipitation:

Acid Precipitation (EPA)

Acid Rain (Rice University)

[Review of Cycles]
Slichter