ACID RAIN By: Helly Shah

What is Acid Rain? Acid rain is rain that has been made acidic by certain pollutants in the air. The primary cause of acid rain more accurately called acid deposition is air pollution from burning fossil fuels. Human activities are the main cause of acid rain. Over the past few decades, humans have released so many different chemicals into the air that they have changed the mix of gases in the atmosphere. Power plants release the majority of sulfur dioxide and much of the nitrogen oxides when they burn fossil fuels, such as coal, to produce electricity. In addition, the exhust from cars, trucks, and buses releases nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide into the air. These pollutants cause acid rain.

Human Impact Acid rain can cause high acidity in lakes and rivers. The ph of a naturally neural river or lake is usually between 6-8. Acid rain of large quantities or concentration decreases the ph, potentially causing much of the aquatic life to die. That's the effect on aquatic life, therefore animals who feed on fish in the area are deprived of food, and a chain of animal death is consequently caused. Acid rain can cause vegetation to die also, decreasing the amount of food available for any animals which feed on it. The acidic clouds and fog strip important nutrients from their leaves and needles. This loss of nutrients makes it easier for infections, insects, and cold weather to damage trees and forests.

What is being done? EPA’s Acid Rain Program Power plants generate the electricity we use every day ,but it uses large amounts of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide Congress passed a law called the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 Acid Rain Program limits the amount of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide that power plants can release into the air. Other Sources of Energy A great way to reduce acid rain is to produce energy without using fossil fuels. Instead, people can use renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. These energy sources can be used to power machinery and produce electricity. Cleaning: Little can be done for the damage done by acid rain but there are a couple ways to clean up the mess. - Add lime to acidified lakes to neutralize the water. - Add phosphate fertilizers to acidified lakes to neutralize the acidic water.

Take action as individuals Turn off lights, computers, and other appliances when you're not using them  Use energy efficient appliances: lighting, air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, etc. Carpool: use public transportation, or better yet, walk or bicycle whenever possible  Be well-informed. 

Video Earth: Acid Rain Eating Washington, D.C. Acid rain damage can be seen on many of the monuments in our nation's capital. http://news.discovery.com/videos/earth-acid-rain-eating-washington-dc.html