Acid%20Rain

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Acid Rain

• How does it form?
• Where is this a problem?
• What does it do to ecosystems and people?

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Acid Deposition formationSecondary or primary
pollutant?Sources for precursors?Transportation?
Wet or dry deposition?
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Formulas you need to memorize

• SO3 H2O H2SO4 (sulfuric acid)
• NOx H2O HNO3(nitric acid)
• Acid rain lt pH 5.6
• These are two forms (flavors) of acid deposition.

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Observations? Is acid rain a big problem in
Houston?Where is acid rain a big concern?
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Global acid rain areas of concern
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Effects on terrestrial systems

• Direct damage to leaves and roots

• Weak trees are susceptible to insects and disease

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Acid deposition leaches nutrients from soil and
makes toxins (Al3) more soluble
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Effects on Aquatic ecosystems

• Loss of biodiversity
• Range of tolerance
• Jelly-like fish eggs broken down
• Acidity denatures enzymes
• Acid shock sudden increase in acidity, often in
  spring can cause fish kills
• Aluminum ions (Al3) are released from lake bed,
  suffocating fish
• Below pH4.5, lakes devoid of fish

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Cultural effects of acid rain

• Marble and limestone

• Acid breaks down these basic materials

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Many famous buildings are being damaged

• Taj Mahal

• Parthenon

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• Statue of liberty

• Loss of artistic detail in Acropolis

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Human health effects of acid rain

• Contributes to bronchitis and asthma

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Acid Rain Check your notes!

• How does it form?
• Where is this a problem?
• What does it do to ecosystems (aquatic and
  terrestrial systems) and people?