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The Adverse Effects of Acid Rain

The term "acid rain" describes a mixture of dry and wet depositions that contain an unusually high level of acidic content. Acid rain may occur from natural sources like decaying vegetation and erupting volcanoes. However, emissions from man-made sources like fossil fuel products are chiefly responsible for the formation of acid rain. Acid rain has a negative impact on human health, the atmosphere, aquatic ecosystems and plants.

  1. Human Health

    • The main emissions responsible for the formation of acid rain are nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides. These emissions are most dangerous when inhaled in the form of dust or smoke. This is because small nitrate and sulfate particles are embedded in the dust and smoke. Inhaling high levels of these emissions leads to increased risks of heart and lung disorders like bronchitis and asthma. This is the main reason why sulfur dioxides and nitrogen dioxides are regulated under the Clean Air Act. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the aim of the Acid Rain Program is also to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides. This will consequently improve both environmental and public health.

    Visibility

    • Nitrates and sulfates from nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides emitted into the atmosphere cause a reduction in the range of visibility. According to EPA, sulfate particles are the cause of between 50 and 70 percent reduction in visibility in the eastern part of the United States. This reduction in visibility makes it a bit harder to clearly see things beyond a certain range. Poor visibility also affects the enjoyment of outdoor activities like hiking and exploring national parks.

    Plants

    • Acid rain affects plants by damaging their leaves, consequently affecting their ability to effectively perform photosynthesis. Acid rain reduces the amount of nutrients available to plants by dissolving the nutrients and other vital minerals in the soil. It also leads to the accumulation of toxic substances in the soil, which will consequently be absorbed by plants.

    Aquatic Bodies

    • Acid rain can permeate aquatic bodies like lakes, rivers, streams and marshes through several means. Acid rain may fall directly onto these bodies of water. It may also flow into the water bodies after falling on buildings, trees, farms and roads, gathering the depositions on these surfaces and depositing them in the water. Acid rain raises the pH balance of these water bodies from their normal levels to toxic levels. The normal pH level of streams and lakes is between 6 and 8. The lower the pH of the water, the more acidic it is. An increase in the acidity of water bodies makes the water toxic to most varieties of fish, crustaceans, shellfish and other water organisms. This leads to effects like lower egg yields, lower body weight or even outright death.

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