The Effects of Acid Precipitation

Acid precipitation, or acid rain, refers to deposited materials that contain high amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. Acid rain can result from both natural and man-made causes. Natural sources of acid rain include volcanoes and vegetation that decays. Man-made sources of acid rain primarily include fossil fuel combustion and emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen. Wind is responsible for transporting the various forms of acid precipitation, including fog, snow or gases and particles. Acid rain can have harrowing effects on the environment and animal population.

Bodies of Water and Soil

• A National Surface Water Survey reveals that many lakes, streams and other bodies of water are suffering from low pH levels, otherwise known as chronic acidity. One of the biggest contributing factors to chronic acidity is acid precipitation. Many different areas of the United States are affected by chronic acidity, with one of the most acidic lakes being in New York. One big problem with the acidification of streams has to do with soil. If a stream with a low pH level passes over soil, that soil becomes a hostile environment for plants and trees. Over the past few years, scientists have noticed some forests experiencing slow growth. In some cases, entire trees die without warning. Researchers now know that this due to acid rain's effect on the soil.

Fish

• Acid rain is largely responsible for the decrease of fish populations. When fish and other aquatic organisms are exposed to acid precipitation, the level of present aluminum is increased. Aluminum is toxic to fish, and many fish die because of aluminum exposure. Younger species are more susceptible to the dangers of acid rain than older ones. If the fish are not killed by acid rain, they are harmed, and often their eggs are unable to hatch. Many acid lakes have no fish at all. This is the case with Little Echo Pond in Franklin, New York. Little Echo Pond has a pH level of 4.2, one of the lowest pH levels in the entire country.

Ecosystems

• Plants and animals that create an ecosystem rely heavily on one another for survival. If one part of an ecosystem is negatively affected by acid precipitation, many other parts of the ecosystem will suffer. Just because one animal or plant is immune to the effects of acid rain doesn't mean that creature won't be impacted. The Environmental Protection Agency uses an example of a frog being unable to meet its dietary needs because the food it would consume is affected by acid rain. Certain ecosystems can completely fail because of acidity.

Effects on Buildings

• Acid rain can increase the speed of decay on buildings. When a building made with limestone or sandstone is exposed to the sulfur pollutants from acid rain, the sand in the stone can begin to wash away. Famous landmarks across the world have been affected by acid precipitation. The Statue of Liberty, Taj Mahal and Saint Paul's Cathedral have all had such issues.

Humans

• Direct contact with areas affected by acid rain are not dangerous to the health of humans. However, damage can be done by the pollutants that cause acid rain. Sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide outputs are regulated by various agencies and organizations, including the Acid Rain Program. If pollutants are inhaled into a person's lungs, illness and death can result.