Causes of Acid Rain: Sulphur dioxide is the main cause of Acid Rain. Sulphur dioxide gas and nitrogen oxide gas (NCR), which are released in excess amount in the atmosphere, react with water (H2O), of the atmosphere, and produce sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) respectively.
The main sources of the release of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere are:
1. Automobiles and automated vehicles.
2. Coal – based thermal power plants.
3. Mineral refineries.
4. Exploitation of fossil fuels (coal, petroleum and wood).
Consequences of Acid Rain: In the acid rain affected areas, following effects are seen:
1. Acidity increases in soil with the effect of acidic – water. Also, soil minerals and nutrients are destroyed due to which soil productivity decreases.
2. Factors responsible for acid rain are carried thousands of kilometers away along with the wind and on getting sufficient humidity they fall in the form of acid – rain.
3. Drinking – water reserves become contaminated.
4. In humans, respiratory and skin – related diseases and the problem of burning sensation in the eyes occur.
5. Stomata of tree-leaves get closed, by which many biological actions of these trees slow down. Thus, acid rain has adverse effects on forests.
6. Water of lakes and rivers gets polluted by acid rain, which has adverse effect on the aquatic creatures. In many lakes of Norway and Sweden, most of aquatic creatures died due to acid rain.
7. Erosion begins in stone and marble due to acid rain. The Taj Mahal of Agra is getting damaged by the influence of acid rain.
Potential Measures:
1. Emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which are responsible for acidic rainfall, should be effectively controlled. Scrubbers should be used in industries. Bag filters and colloidal tanks should be employed.
2. Use of non – conventional sources of energy like solar energy and wind power should be highly encouraged.
3. Automated vehicles should be tested and verified for pollution from time-to-time and use of personal vehicles should be reduced.
4. To eliminate the acidity of acidity – affected water and soil, lime should be used in water and soil.
