Acid Rain

Minggu, 27-04-2008 09:54:22 oleh: Tasha Kanal: Remaja Naturally, rain is slightly acidic due to the reaction of water vapour, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other oxides in the atmosphere. This rain is usually 5 or 6 pH in acidity, but in some areas the pH of the rain has dropped to 4 and even 2 pH. This is a phenomenon called acid rain or acid precipitation, which is when rain is more acidic than normal. The problem of acid rain probably started during the 1730s, which was the height of the industrial revolution. This is because during the industrial revolution there were a lot of factories being built and used, which emitted sulphur dioxide (SO2). Today, sulphur dioxide is emitted from industrial sources and the burning of fossil fuels. The sulphur dioxide reacts with the water vapor and is converted into sulphuric acid (H2SO4), which can be carried to the ground in rain or settle out of dry air. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are also one of the causes of acid rain. The main source of nitrogen oxides are the combustion of fossil fuels from motor vehicles. Just like the sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides react with water vapor and are converted into nitric acid. Acid rain has caused a number of problems, such as damaging buildings, turning our roads into Swiss cheese and some limestone statues have even lost face, literally. There are statues like those on the Westphalian castle in Germany have experienced severe damage to the point where their faces have completely disappeared. Acid rain could also increase the acidity of soil, which would mean that the soil might not be fit for the growth of organisms. Acid rain also damages a lot of trees and contaminates lakes, and this could turn the whole ecosystem inside out. What would happen if we didnt have trees or fish? Before we all start clambering for our lead umbrellas, we can rest easy knowing that there are ways to prevent acid rain. We can reduce sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by using vehicles that have catalytic converters, using alternative energy sources and conserving energy, such as going by carpool to go to school or work. We can also remove sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from smokestack gases emitted from industrial plants. To help stop the damage to the lakes, we can add a little alkali (the exact opposite of acid) to the lakes. Little by little, we can all do our part and make acid rain a thing of the past. Article by Anastasia Asmoro (SMAN 8, Class X-International-B) Resources:
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What is Acid Rain? The Green Lane: Acid Rain and the Facts The Environmental Literacy Council - Acid Precipitation Acid Rain The Acid Rain Report - History of Acid Rain Prevention and Cleaning of Acid Rain