Acid rain is precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or fog) that contains high levels of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃). It forms when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) react with water vapor in the atmosphere.
Effects of Acid Rain:
Environmental Damage: Acid rain lowers the pH of soil and water bodies, making it difficult for plants and aquatic organisms to survive. It damages forests by leaching nutrients from the soil and weakening tree roots.
Aquatic Life Destruction: Acidic water disrupts the survival of fish and amphibians. Many fish species cannot reproduce in highly acidic conditions, leading to population decline.
Infrastructure Damage: Acid rain corrodes buildings, bridges, and monuments, especially those made of limestone and marble, by reacting with calcium carbonate in the stone.
Human Health Issues: While acid rain does not directly harm humans, the pollutants responsible for acid rain (SO₂ and NOₓ) can cause respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.