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Acid rain is a type of precipitation that can cause ecological imbalances and bad consequences for the economy

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Acid rain is a concept coined by Robert Angus Smith in 1872 in Manchester, UK, and refers to various types of precipitation with acidic pH, including rain, fog, hail and snow. This type of precipitation can cause ecological imbalances and bad consequences for the economy.

what is acid rain

Acid rain is a broad term that describes the various ways in which acids leave the atmosphere. It was first used in an article entitled "Air and Rain in Early Chemical Climatology" to describe the acidic form of rain around the industrial city of Manchester. Scientifically, acid rain is called "acid deposition" and can occur in both dry and wet forms.

The acidity of rain is measured by its pH, which is considered normal in precipitation when it is around 5.6. The lower the pH (below 5.5), the more acidic the rain.

Dry and wet deposition

Dry deposition usually occurs near the point of emission. Wet deposition, on the other hand, can occur thousands of kilometers away from the original source of emission. It is believed that the problem of acid rain is a result of the elimination of oxides of sulfur, nitrogen and other constituents present in the atmosphere. Both dry and wet deposition can be transformed into salts in the soil and cause environmental damage.

Main causes of acid rain

The main sources of oxides of sulfur, nitrogen and other substances present in the atmosphere are the coal burned in power plants, foundries (produce SO2) and motor vehicle exhaust. These oxides can react with other chemicals and produce corrosive substances that end up in rainwater. But acid rain can also occur after volcanic activity, which emits gases, particles, sulfur compounds and dust.

More frequent in highly industrialized environments, especially after the Industrial Revolution, acid rain has negative consequences for the environment and economy.

consequences of acid rain

soils

When precipitating, acid rain increases soil pH leading to nutrient deficiency and loss of fertility. The decomposition rate is also negatively affected, slowing down plant decomposition. The maximum change in acidity occurs in the humus layer.

aquatic environments

Acid rain also acidifies aquatic environments, affecting phytoplankton, amphibians, invertebrates and fish. During the 1970s, more than 20% of lakes in southern Norway lost their fish. Acidity increases the mortality rate, causes reproductive failure and increases absorption of heavy metals.

With a low pH, as is characteristic of an environment after acid rain, frogs, toads and salamanders are also affected. Zooplankton disappear and stocks of all fish species are rapidly depleting because embryos cannot mature at this level of acidity. Some species can, however, grow in acid rain conditions. Larger aquatic plants decrease their population but are tolerant of the acidic environment. White mosses of the species Sphagnum they end up colonizing the environment.

trees

Acid rain damages the leaves and roots of trees, resulting in decreased canopy cover and plant death. West German forests have already faced heavy losses due to acid rain. In 1982, 7.7% of 7.4 million hectares of West German forest were visibly damaged.

Agriculture

Cultivated plants show significant sensitivity to acid rain. In an environment with pH 2.6, soybeans, for example, show a reduction in CO2 fixation, an important process for plant growth. Agriculture is severely affected by acid rain as it causes a reduction in the rate of photosynthesis.

Algae, fungi and lichens

Algae, fungi and lichens are also negatively affected by acid rain. Various microorganisms and microbial processes are affected because of changes in soil properties.

Materials and Buildings

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Stone monuments made of marble and limestone and building materials containing large amounts of carbonate are susceptible to acid rain. This can represent a major loss of heritage, including historical and cultural records.

Human health

Acid rain is an invisible form of pollution and has indirect effects on human health. There may be increased intake of heavy metals as they become more available in the soil. The most common heavy metals such as Al, Cd, Zn, Pb, Hg, Mn and Fe are dissolved in soil and water, making their way into groundwater that is consumed by humans and contaminates food (fish, meats and vegetables) and new consumers.

Control of acid rain and impacts on the economy

Controlling acid rain can be done with liming (addition of lime), control of the emission of greenhouse gases and political intervention. Each measure has its own advantages and disadvantages. But it is important to implement acid rain reduction measures, as its impacts may be irreversible.

With the loss of biomass production, reduced ecosystem services and impacts on buildings, crops and aquatic and terrestrial fauna, the economic losses are also considerable.