Acid Rain

Acid Rain, one of the major environmental issues of recent times, is chiefly caused by the pollution of air. The process of formation of this artificial form of rain begins with the inter-mixture of sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxides with the water vapor in the atmosphere. This phenomenon is known as Wet Deposition of the gases.

The burning of fossil fuels and the emission from automobiles, factories, etc are the main sources of sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxides. Acid Rain occurs when these gases mix with rain, sleet, ice, snow and mist an acidic solution is formed which falls on the surface of the earth. The acidic solution falling as Acid Rain has a pH value ranging from 4 to 2.

The floating clouds can carry acidic content with it for a great distance before shedding their moisture content. The effects of Acid Rain varies from region to region depending on the alkalinity of the soil of a particular region. The more alkaline soils can act as a buffer to Acid Rain and balance the harmful effects of it by dissolving the acidic properties.

The damage caused by Acid Rain include the following:

The less alkaline soils get affected by Acid Rain easily. The acidic water seeping into the soil also affects the growth of trees. The development of trees and plants is stunted, sometimes they die because of the increased acidity of the soil. Moreover, weakening of plants makes them more susceptible to attacks of diseases and pests.
Acid Rain affects the water bodies of the earth. Mixing with the waters of lakes and rivers, the acidic water poisons the aquatic life. Shrimps, mussels, etc are first affected and gradually the fishes and other marine creatures also fall prey to this. The ultimate effect of Acid Rain is the slow destruction of the marine eco-system.
Although Acid Rain is not capable of causing direct harm to higher life forms like human beings, the indirect effects are quite disturbing. The destruction of the environment means the end of humanity as well.
Artificial objects are also not exempt from the effects of this phenomenon. The buildings and structures undergo a continuous process of erosion when exposed to Acid Rain. The most affected are those that are build with limestone or sandstone.

Necessary steps to stop the formation of Acid Rain should be taken immediately. The use of alternative sources of fuel would lessen the burning of fossil fuel triggering the decrease in emission of sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide. Powdered limestone mixed with water is capable of getting rid of sulphur from smoke. Lime also works as an agent to stabilize the acid content in a water body. General awareness about the effects of Acid Rain would make man realize the consequences of this phenomenon and it is possible to put an end to this serious problem threatening our planet.

Eleven participants including EU, Canada, Germany, Norway, France, UK work under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe according to the Protocol on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions. The Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution is also involved in curbing the threat. Constituted by 51 parties, this convention works to put a stop to this phenomenon.