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Acid deposition, or more commonly known, Acid rain, is a vague term that involves the precipitation of acidic components (EPA). In simpler words, it's when acids such as sulfuric acid or nitric acid fall onto the earth's surface from the atmosphere.
Acids can fall from the atmosphere in either wet or dry bodies. Such as in the form of fog, snow, dust, or in this specific study, rain.
Precipitation: A form of substance that is emitted onto the earth's surface.
Acid rain commonly occurs when nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere and then transported through wind and air currents (EPA). The sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides synthesize with water, oxygen, as well as other chemicals to then create the products of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids then integrate with water and other minerals in the atmosphere before falling to the earths surface (EPA).
SO2 + H2O + O2 --> H2SO4
Sulfur dioxide + Water + Di-oxygen --> Sulfuric Acid
Quite a small portion of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are emitted naturally from volcanoes. However, they're also released through fossil fuel combustion. Typically utilized when generating electricity. Vehicles, heavy
equipment, manufacturing, oil refining and other industrial activities release these chemicals.
Since the chemicals can be transported through air and wind currents, the issue can effect an entire nation and further. Fortunately, acid rain isn't a directly harmful to humans. However, animals, plants, buildings, and statues are negatively impacted. Trees are known to be heavily impacted as the acid burns out the protective film in its leaves and stunts its growth (Bradford).
There are also optimum pH levels in soil and in rivers, lakes... and such. Acid rain increases these pH levels and thus, creates risk for aquatic animals as well as dry and wet plants. The soil's pH determines the solubility of nutrients and minerals available for the plant to absorb (EPA). If there isn't enough, the plant won't be able to grow and risks aluminum toxicity.
High acidic levels in bodies of water could result in fish not being able to hatch and even the death of adult fish. The water's acidic molecules
stimulate excessive mucus production in the gills which asphyxiates the fish by clogging their gills and thus reducing its oxygen intake (Lenntech).
It also potentially causes chronic stress in fish; which results in lower body weight, smaller body size...etc (Lenntech). Thus making them less competent to compete for food. The toxicity of Ammonia is also 10 times more dangerous at a pH of 8, even when the optimum pH level, for example, for fresh water is around 6.8 to 7.6 (Lenntech).
The same applies to aquatic plants, their optimum pH levels stay within 6.5 to 8.5 in general, acid rain increases these levels which kills these plants and animals, making it dangerous for human and animal consumption.
Liming is the application of mineral calcium and magnesium compounds (carbonates, oxides, hydroxides, a mix of all... etc) (McLean; Miller et al).
This is done to decrease the soil's acidity to be suitable for plants and crops to grow in.
In order for liming to work effectively, the liming material has to be able to displace the hydrogen, aluminum, and manganese ions in the soil to exchange with soil colloids. After, it has to neutralize the hydrogen ion (H^+) and precipitate the Aluminum cation (Al^3+).
The process of adding limestone into the soil helps to detoxifies the acidity by neutralizing to around a pH of 7, making it safe for aquatic life.
Liming is very inexpensive and easy to gather. The chemicals utilized in liming is quite safe and non-toxic, meaning that aquatic and land life won't face any harm, nor will humans if they were to consume them.
Although there aren't many disadvantages and liming does in fact lessen the acidity of the soil. It still is an unnatural process. Meaning that the soil will be polluted with heavy metals and radioactive compounds. However, as long as the process sticks to its optimum amount, it's tested to ensure that the compounds in the soil will not impact the environment severely.
Acid rain occurs due to an excess of pollutants in the atmosphere. Mainly sulfur dioxide and hydrogen oxide. These are released into the atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels so you can do the environment a favor through the reduction of vehicle usage. Walking and bicycling will benefit atmosphere much more than you think.
Industrial factories and facilities will need to look into utilizing less fossil fuels and more renewable energy. Though it is expensive, it is vital that factories join into reducing the amount of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen oxide is released into the air.
Bradford, Alina. "Acid Rain: Causes, Effects and Solutions." Livescience.com, 14 July 2018, www.livescience.com/63065-acid-rain.html. Accessed 31 May 2021.
"Effects of Acids and Alkalis on Aquatic Life." Water Treatment and Purification - Lenntech, www.lenntech.com/aquatic/acids-alkalis.htm. Accessed 31 May 2021.
Filipek, Tadeusz. "Liming, Effects on Soil Properties." SpringerLink, Dordrecht Springer, 28 Aug. 2014, link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-90-481-3585-1_84. Accessed 1 June 2021.
"Soil PH." Queensland Government | Queensland Government, 24 Sept. 2013, www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/soil/soil-properties/ph-levels#. Accessed 31 May 2021.
"What is Acid Rain?" US EPA, 12 May 2020, www.epa.gov/acidrain/what-acid-rain. Accessed 31 May 2021.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Liming To Improve Soil Quality in Acid Soils. 1999. NRCS. www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_053252.pdf. Accessed 31 May 2021.