A Review of Acid Rain

Abstract

Often known as acid drainage or acid precipitation, acid rain has a pH rating of about 5.2 or less. Emissions of Sulphur dioxide (So2) as well as nitrogen oxides (NoX: mixture of NO and NO2) from human activities such as fossil fuel burning are the source of acid rain. The presence of these acids along with other components of the environment emits protons that increases the soil acidity and further not only mobilizes but also leaches away nutrient positive ions and increases radioactive metals. This improvement in the chemical properties of the soil decreases fertility and has a detrimental effect on the production and growth of crops and forest trees.Acid accumulation lowers the pH of sea water and results in water sources becoming acidified, creating harmful effects on marine species. Somehow, acid rain impacts each and every part of the environment and also has any tortuous impact on human health. Acid rain also adds to the deterioration of air-polluted soils and deteriorates man-built objects such as houses and temples made of limestone and marble. Acid rain has attracted widespread science and public attention due to its destructive large-scale effect on habitats.