關於ACID RAIN (做project, 要簡單明白, 要英文) quick~

Rain water with pH values lower than 5.7 is called acid rain.

The Cause:

( Acid rain is caused by smoke and gases that are given off by factories and cars that run on fossil fuels. When these fuels are burned to produce energy, the sulfur that is present in the fuel combines with oxygen and becomes sulfur dioxide; some of the nitrogen in the air becomes nitrogen oxide. These pollutants go into the atmosphere, and become acid. )


-Sulphur dioxide

It is the primary cause of acid rain. Sulphur dioxide is released from burning of fossil fuels and industrial plants.

-Nitrogen oxides

It is another cause of acid rain. Nitrogen oxides are released from vehicles and power plants.




Effects:

-Vegetation

Acid rain washes away esssential nutrients that the plants are in need. In adition, it makes the soil acidic and aids the release of aluminium and copper ions which are harmful to plants.

-Aquatic life

When pH is less than 4.5, calcium metabolism in fresh water fish will be affected, leading to poor health and stunted growth. As a result, diversity and population of some fish species will be reduced.

-Building materials

Acid rain will cause damage to common building materials (such as limestone and marble), statues and monuments
Many metals will become oxidised. Iron corrodes with the presence of acid rain to form rust. The cost of maintainance of iron structures is high in highly polluted areas.

Acid rain is carbonic acid. CO2+H2O=H2CO3
Its pH is lower than 5.6.That's clear.