Environmental problems stemming from acid rain and solutions

Acid rain is pollution that could harm the ecosystem, building structures, and human health, making it a serious problem. Acid rain is caused by inordinate amounts of sulfur and nitrogen, mostly released from industrial processes, such as the burning of fossil fuels, driving automobiles, and factory pollution. This type of acid precipitation is described when a pH level is lower than 5.0; Shanghai had the annual mean pH value of 4.49. The main damage from acid rain would be inflicted on various ecological systems and living things. Acid rain permeates into the ground and poisons plants and trees by dissolving toxic substances, such as aluminum, and when the roots absorb the chemicals, the plants would gradually die. The rain eliminates beneficial substances, such as minerals and nutrients, before the plants and trees have a chance of utilizing them in the growth process. When acid rain becomes frequent, it corrodes the waxy protective layer of leaves which forces the plant to be more sensitive to disease and lose its ability to produce adequate amounts of nutrition. Additionally, acid rain could harm humans through atmospheric and soil pollution. Toxic compounds could seep into drinking water or enter the food chain. Contaminated food could damage our nervous systems and could even lead to serious brain damages or even deaths. Many scientists believe that one of the substances redispersed by acid rain, aluminum, could even be associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Acid rain could be prevented by saving energy, using less transportation, and using more alternative energy sources. People could prevent pollution, a major factor of acid rain, in everyday lives, for example, by turning off electrical equipment when unused, or by using equipment with the “Energy Star” label. Driving gas cars produces large amounts of nitrogen oxides, which could cause acid rain. Currently, regulations are passed out and new technologies are developed in order to help reduce acid rain. Programs, such as EPA’s Acid Rain Program, Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, and Acid Rain Program are either ongoing or have already been established.

Featured image – Acid rain effects Photo Courtesy of reference.com

by: Justina Kim