Module 8 acid rain Flashcards
What has industrialization increased over the last few hundred years?
Air pollution
Industrialization has led to significant increases in pollutants released into the atmosphere.
What man-made source emits sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere?
Factories
Factories are a major contributor to air pollution through the release of sulfur dioxide.
What emissions come from cars, trains, and airplanes?
Nitrogen oxides
These emissions are a significant source of air pollution.
What type of plants burn oil and coal, contributing to air pollution?
Electric plants
Electric plants are responsible for emitting sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
What natural source also adds to air pollution?
Volcanoes
Volcanoes release various pollutants into the atmosphere.
What is the pH of pure water?
7
A pH of 7 is considered neutral.
What is the average pH of acid rain?
Between 5 and 6
Acid rain can reach levels as low as 2 or 3 in some locations.
What materials are affected by acid rain, particularly in buildings and artworks?
Marble and limestone
Acid rain reacts with calcite in these materials, causing deterioration.
What happens to limestone and marble buildings not directly exposed to rain?
They can form a black crust
This crust is due to the reaction of calcite with water and sulfuric acid.
What does the reaction of calcite with sulfuric acid produce?
Soft gypsum
Gypsum is soluble in water and contributes to the black crust observed.
How can acid rain harm plants?
By leaching essential nutrients from the soil
This leaching interferes with nutrient absorption and leads to stunted growth.
What essential nutrients can be depleted in the soil due to acid rain?
Calcium and magnesium
Their depletion affects plant health and soil organisms.
What toxic metal can be released from the soil due to acid rain?
Aluminum
High aluminum levels can be toxic to many plant species.
Which ecosystems are most sensitive to the effects of acid rain?
Aquatic ecosystems
Acid rain can significantly acidify lakes, rivers, and streams.
What can disrupted food chains due to acid rain affect?
Predators higher up in the food chain
Changes in aquatic life can have cascading effects on the ecosystem.
What long-term effects can acid rain have on ecosystems?
They can be complex and varied
Effects depend on species sensitivity, geographical location, and buffering capacity.
What program has the U.S. government formed to study acid rain?
National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP)
This program focuses on limiting or controlling atmospheric pollutants.
What legislation was passed in 1990 to reduce emissions in the U.S.?
Clean Air Act
The act aimed to reduce emissions of pollutants by 50% by 2000.
By what percentage has the U.S. reduced sulfur dioxide emissions since the 1990s?
40%
This reduction is part of the efforts under the Clean Air Act.
What has the European Union achieved in terms of emissions reduction since the 1990s?
Approximately 70%
This reflects significant efforts to combat air pollution.
What has been a consequence of acid rain in China?
Dropped agricultural productivity
Acid rain has impacted farming due to high pollution levels.
How should Christians respond to issues like air pollution?
From a perspective of stewardship, responsibility, and care for the environment
Christians are called to honor God’s creation and fight for cleaner air.
