Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: Fatima Wais on 22/04/2014 14:49:37
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What does Acid rain have an effect on? Acid Rain can be very dangerous. Acid rain is one of the foremost examples of regional air pollution and has received worldwide attention. Acidification damages are often the result of atmospheric transport of sulfur and nitrogen emissions across state and/or national boundaries.Acid rain has been active for more than a billion years. other than carbon dioxide other substances contribute to acidity. The most noticeable effect from acid rain is the lowering of pH in thousands of lakes in Scandinavia, and eastern North America. Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning that it possesses elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals and infrastructure.
In the article review i learned the effects acid rain has on us. in the article,Philip H. Abelson stated “ the causes of acid rain sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) do damage human health”. In order words acid rain isn’t only bad for plants, and the atmosphere, it’s also very harmful for human beings. These gases interact in the atmosphere to form fine sulfate and nitrate particles that can be transported by winds and inhaled deep into people's lungs. While learning, and reading about acid rain I was surprised that I had very little acknowledgement towards this topic. Something this harmful should be taught to make people more aware of this. However, I didn’t think it would be as harmful for human beings.
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I haven't heard much about Acid Rain for quite some time. It is a bigger issue on the East Coast because of more coal being burnt. However, since the issues were identified a few decades ago, the EPA in the USA has been tightly regulating sulfur emissions.
It is often cheaper to buy low sulfur coal than to scrub the sulfur emissions out of the smokestacks.
A few years ago, Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) was introduced to help reduce vehicle sulfur emissions. I believe the sulfur was also bad on smog control devices such as the Diesel Particulate Filters, and thus the added benefit of ULSD.
Undoubtedly unrestricted coal mine files also contribute to smog and acid rain in some regions.
The more recent concern is acidification of the upper layers of the ocean due to increased CO2 absorption. It takes quite some time for the CO2 to be distributed throughout the ocean.
As far as direct effects on humans, I believe the effects are minimal. We obviously have acid in the stomach, and the body regulates the acid/base balance. Perhaps any extra acid would be compensated by taking calcium supplements, or even the food selection.
The effects may be greater on property, as well as fish.