ACID RAIN

INTRODUCTION
Rain is slightly acidic because it contains dissolved carbon
dioxide (CO2), Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen oxides
(NOx) which are normally present in the air.
Acid rain contains more acidity than the normal value
Due to presence of acid ions & due to the dissolution of these
gases present in higher concentration
Air pollution caused by gaseous emissions from industrial
sources, burning of fuels (thermal plants, chimneys of brick-
kilns or sugar mills) and vehicular emissions.
Acid rain will occur locally near the sources of air pollution.
Due to the movement of air, acid rain may occur for away
from the source.

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Acid Rain

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Introduction
U.K. contributes 26% of the acidic sulphur deposited in the
Netherlands, 23% in Norway and 12% in Sweden.

Acid emissions arise naturally from volcanoes, forest fires and

biological decomposition, especially in the oceans.

SO2 pollutions is mostly contributed by thermal power plants,

refineries industry and NOx form road transport, power
stations and industry.

Acid gas concentrations in the air will vary according to

location, time and weather conditions.

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 Effects of Acid Rain
Damage to aquatic life
reduction in diversity and populations of fresh water species
soil organisms are killed in acid rain
Damage to Trees and Plants
SO2 has a direct toxic effect on trees
acidifying soils which may cause loss of essential nutrients such as
magnesium, thus impairing plant growth

Damage to Buildings and Materials

All historic buildings suffer damage and decay with time
SO2 penetrated porous stones such as limestone and is converted to
calcium sulphate

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Effects of Acid Rain on Aquatic Life
Damage to aquatic life
reduction in diversity and populations of fresh water species
soil organisms are killed in acid rain

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 Effects of Acid Rain on Trees
Damage to Trees and Plants
SO2 has a direct toxic effect on trees
acidifying soils which may cause loss of essential nutrients such as
magnesium, thus impairing plant growth

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 Damage to Buildings and Materials
All historic buildings suffer damage and decay with time
SO2 penetrated porous stones such as limestone and is converted to
calcium sulphate

Effects of Acid Rain on Taj Mahal

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REDUCING ACID POLLUTION
fuels may be treated to reduce their sulphur content
reduce the eventual emissions of SO2 by the introduction of a
sorbent such as limestone
Nox can be reduced by adding ammonia and passing it over a
catalyst to produce nitrogen and water. This process is called
selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
fitting a catalytic converter to the exhaust system reduces NOx
emissions by up to 90%
to develop non-fossil fuel energy sources such as nuclear
power or renewable energy (solar, wind, tidal power, etc.)