Acid Rain is formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, formed when fossil fuels are burnt, react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen and oxidants to form many different acidic compounds. The compounds then fall to earth in a wet or dry form. Sulfur Dioxide Nitrogen Oxide

Power stations, industries and vehicles release gasses into the atmosphere Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides Oxidation in clouds produce sulfuric and nitric acid Acid polluted air is blown by wind Water droplets become polluted Wet deposition (Acid Rain) Water affected, affecting river creatures Trees and vegetation affected Soil polluted and acid rain leached aluminum from soil

Acid rain acidifies lakes and streams, killing wildlife that live, play or drink in the water. Hundreds of lakes have become too acidic to support sensitive fish species. Acid rain also destroys trees after a collective amount of rain. In addition, acid rain accelerates the decay of paints and buildings. Trees Destroyed by Acid Rain Statues Destroyed by Acid Rain

Many coal-burning power plants use lime or limestone in slurry form combined with the sulfur dioxide present. The calcium carbonate of the limestone produces neutral pH substance. Every current polluting facility is given or must purchase an allowance for each unit of pollutant it emits. Operators can then pay less by making the facility pollutant friendly. Limestone Quarry Sulfur

You can use coal with less sulfur, or to clean the coal before it is burned. Power plants can also burn natural gasses instead of coal. Some individual ways to reduce the amount of acid rain Reduce the amount of driving, use public transportation, turn off all lights if not being used, recycle, turn off geyser when not in use and use washing machine or dish washer with full loads

Acid Rain Turns THIS to THAT So What Are YOU Going To Do About IT?

Internet References Air pollution- Acid Rain”. Clean Air Trust. ml ml “What Causes Acid Rain?”. Acid Rain Students Site. te_students/whatcauses.html te_students/whatcauses.html Book References Mackean, D.G. GCSE Biology. John Murray Ltd, 2000