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What is acid rain and why they are caused? What are its effects?
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Acid rains are the rain that is acidic in nature due to the presence of certain pollutants in the air.

Causes of Acid rains

1) Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are two of the gases involved in the creation of acid rain. When these gases are released into the environment and mixed with water, oxygen, and other chemicals, they create acidic compounds, such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which results in the formation of acid rain.

2) The causes of acid rain can be both natural and man-made. In terms of natural sources, both volcanoes and decaying vegetation release gases that result in the formation of acid rain.

3) However, the majority of gases come from man-made sources such as fossil fuel combustion.

4)The exhaust from vehicles also releases nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides into the air, and as the number of vehicles driven increases, so does the amount of gases released and the risk of acid rain.

Harmful effects of acid rain-

1) Effect on Aquatic Environment- The aquatic plants and animals need a particular pH level of about 4.8 to survive. If the pH level falls below that the conditions become hostile for the survival of aquatic life.

2) Effect on Forests – It makes trees vulnerable to disease, extreme weather, and insects by destroying their leaves, damaging the bark and arresting their growth.

3) Effect on Soil – As it falls on forest or field soil, it kills useful micro-organisms and leaches nutrients of soil. Many a times, this leads to calcium and other nutrient deficiency, producing infertile soils.

4) Effect on Architecture and Buildings – Acid rain on buildings, especially those constructed with limestone, react with the minerals and corrode them away. This leaves the building weak and susceptible to decay. Modern buildings, cars, airplanes, steel bridges and pipes are all affected by acid rain. Irreplaceable damage can be caused to the old heritage buildings.

5) Effect on Public Health – When in atmosphere, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases and their particulate matter derivatives like sulfates and nitrates, degrades visibility and can cause accidents, leading to injuries and deaths.

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