Causes and Negative Effects of Acid Rain Pollution

This assignment discusses the causes of acid rain pollution and its negative effects.

Acid rain is caused by a combination of pollutants released into the atmosphere, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The gases react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form acids that can fall back down to earth as acid rain or snow. Anthropogenic sources, such as industry and vehicles are responsible for most of these emissions. Power plants that burn coal are major contributors to SO2 emissions and NOx emissions come from motor vehicle exhausts.

The negative effects of acid rain on humans, animals, plants, and our environment are far reaching and serious. Acid rain has been linked to respiratory illnesses like asthma due to pollutants being breathed in directly. The acid can also damage buildings, statues and other structures that are exposed to it over time. In the environment, acid rain decreases soil pH levels making it difficult for vegetation to grow and survive in acidic water. Acid rain can be especially damaging to lakes and streams as it increases the amount of aluminum in the water which is toxic to most aquatic life.

Overall, acid rain pollution has serious consequences on human health, buildings, and our environment. To protect ourselves from these effects we must take measures to reduce emissions from anthropogenic sources like industry and vehicles by using cleaner technologies that burn fuel more efficiently or switch to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Doing so will help limit the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere resulting in cleaner air, healthier environment and a better quality of life.