Acid rain Flashcards
what is the PH of rain normally and why
Usually rain is naturally acidic-5.6
this is due to carbon dioxide, occurring naturally in the atmosphere, dissolves into the rain forming carbonic acid
what is acid rain
the name given to precipitation over PH 5.6 due to a combination of pollution problems caused by a range of acidic gases and other pollutants which contribute
what are the main gases involved in acid rain
- sulphur dioxide
- sulphur trioxide
- oxides of nitrogen
how does sulphur dioxide contribute to acid rain
1) sulphur dioxide emitted through the burning of fossil fuels reacts with water to produce a weak acid of sulphurous acid
how doe sulphur trioxide contribute to acid rain
1) when sulphur dioxide is converted to sulphur trioxide due to he presence or other pollutants (tropospheric ozone / nitrogen dioxide)
2) sulphur trioxide dissolves into rain water forming a strong acid- sulphuric acid
how does nitrous oxides contribute to acid rain
1) nitrogen dioxide dissolves into rain forming a strong acid- nitric acid
what are the types of acid damage
1) dry acid deposition
2) wet acid depostion
what are the types of acid damage
1) dry acid deposition
2) wet acid depostion
what is the difference between dry and wet acid deposition
1) dry= sulphur di/trioxides affect the environment themselves
2) wet= when SOx gases dissolve into rain water and the acid rain affects the environment
list the effects of acid rain on the environment
1 )crossion of metals ie railway lines, over head powerlines ect
2) limestone structures such as buildings and statues become damaged
3) harm living organisms
what are the direct effects of acid rain on living organisms
1) Tissue damage
2) breathing difficulty
what are the indirect effects of acid rain on living organisms
1) solubility of nutrients may be affected
2) formation of toxic ions- inhibit enzyme activity
3) leaching of toxic ions harming aquatic organisms
