1. Main sources of Air Pollutants
Power plant and vehicular emissions

2. MingPao News 24 June 1999

3. Collection of Rain Water Sample

4. A simple methodology for rain collection
Rain Collector

5. Automatic rain collector used in Hong Kong
Sources: HKEPD

6. The Effects of Acid Rain

7. Effects of Acid Rain Forest ecosystems Aquatic ecosystems
Materials and buildings
Human health
Visibility

8. Effects on Forest Ecosystems
H+ binds to soil particles, pushing out other nutrients

9. Effects on Forest Ecosystems
stresses the plants – increases their susceptibility to pests, frost damage, disease
leaves begin to die, photosynthesis is reduced, and eventually the trees die.
Sources: HKEPD

10. Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems
Lowers body weight of the fish
Kills individual fish, decreases biodiversity

11. Effects on Materials and Buildings
corrosion of metals
deterioration of paint and stone
significantly reduces value of buildings, bridges and cars

12. Effects on Human Health
Acid rain not directly harmful but…
particles and gases that cause acid rain, such as SO2, NOx, etc, can cause ….
asthma or other respiratory problem

13. Effects on Visibility
Particles that are formed from NOx, SO2 contribute to visibility impairment
Accounts for 50 – 70% of visibility reduction in some areas

14. What can be done?

15. What can be done? Local government policy
Pollution control proposed by scientists and technologists
International support
Individual participation
Cross-border co-operation

16. Local Government Policy
Achieve environmental benefits through reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions
Facilitate active emission trading
Enforce more stringent legislation

17. Pollution Control proposed by Scientists and Technologists
Promote pollution prevention and energy efficient strategies and technologies
Keep cars well maintained
Catalytic converters in vehicles

18. Pollution Control proposed by Scientists and Technologists
Clean up smokestacks and exhaust pipes
Wash Coal or use coal with low levels of sulphur
Use of scrubbers to remove gases before they leave the stacks.

19. International Support
Promote alternative energy sources
Nuclear
Hydropower
Wind energy
Geothermal
Solar

20. Individual Participation
Individuals can contribute directly by conserving
energy. For example, you can:
Turn off lights, computers, and other appliances when you're not using them
Use energy efficient appliances: lighting, air conditioners and refrigerators etc.
Use public transportation, bicycle or walk or whenever possible.

21. Cross-border co-operation
E.g. HK-Guangdong Environmental Protection Liaison Group to tackle the acid rain pollution at the Pearl River Delta Region
Pearl River
Delta Region

22. ~ The End ~