|
Acid rain is rain or any other
form of precipitation which is unusually acidic. It has dangerous effects on
the environment and on structures. It is mostly caused by emissions due to
human activity of sulfur and nitrogen compounds which respond in the atmosphere
to produce acids. In recent years, many governments have introduced laws to lessen
these emissions. Both lower pH and higher aluminum concentration in the surface
water that occur as a result of acid rain can cause damage to fish and other
aquatic animals. At pHs lower than 5 most of the fish eggs would not hatch and
lower pHs can kill adult fish. As lakes become more acidic biodiversity is also
reduced. Soil biology can be critically damaged by acid rain. Some tropical
microbes can quickly consume acids but other microbes are incapable to tolerate
low pHs and are killed. The enzymes of these microbes are denatured by the
acid. The hydronium ions of acid rain also mobilize toxins and filter away
essential nutrients and minerals |
| Leave a Comment: |