Acid Rain Prevention Methods

Acid rain, which contains high levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, is an environmental problem that damages lakes, streams, forests and the plants and animals that live in those environments. It damages marble, stone monuments and architecture and negatively impacts the respiratory system of human beings. The production of steel and iron, crude oil and other materials such as fertilizer, generates most of these emissions, while natural processes such as volcanic and bacterial activity, lightning and forest fires account for only 10 percent of these acids. Even though the greatest burden for prevention or restoration belongs to industry, there are things you can do, too.

Cause and Effect

• Factory emissions react with water, oxygen and other chemicals.

  Everyone who cares about their environment needs to understand what causes acid rain. Approximately 65 percent of all sulfur dioxide and 25 percent of nitrogen oxide result from electric power generated by burning fossil fuels. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide reacting with water, oxygen and chemicals in the atmosphere form acidic compounds such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Sunlight increases the rate of production. Understanding this process is the first step in creating an informed electorate. The more that people know about this issue, the more they can influence their legislators.

Detrimental Effects

• The decline of the Sugar Maple tree relates to acid rain.

  You also need to take into account the detrimental effects of acid rain. The decline of the Sugar Maple tree relates to acid rain, both from direct contact with the rain and the decline of calcium and magnesium in the soil, which reduces the ability of the trees to withstand drought and fight insect infestation. Decrease in the pH level and elevated amounts of aluminum in bodies of water result in lower production of plankton and the extinction of some fish species. Likewise, the food chain is adversely affected with decreased calcium leached from the soil.

Legislation

• The Acid Rain Program in Title IV 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments set emission standards that have lowered levels. As of 2010 in the Eastern U.S., ambient sulfur dioxide was down 40 percent and sulfate was down 30 percent; wet sulfate deposits have decreased 30 percent in the Northeastern U.S. and 17 percent in the Southeastern U.S. Some reduction in nitrate deposits has occurred in the Northeast and Midwestern U.S., but more is needed.

Regulations and Restoration

• Stay informed about what the EPA is doing to monitor acid rain levels.

  Find out what power plants in your area are doing and stay informed about Environmental Protection Agency reports on acid rain levels. Coal-burning plants generate sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Washing the coal and using a device called a scrubber removes sulfur dioxide from gases emitted through the smokestack; catalytic converters remove nitrogen oxide. Power plants also can opt to use natural gas, which creates much less sulfur dioxide. Make your opinion known.

Individual Action

• Solar Power Panels

  Another action you can take is to use less energy generated by plants that use fossil fuel. Environmental protection and restoration is something an individual can do something about. Turn off the lights, television and computers when you finish using them. Buy energy-efficient appliances, limit the use of heat and air conditioning and insulate your home. Buy automobiles with low emissions, maintain your vehicle and carpool when possible. Consider using solar power, hydropower (energy generated by water power), wind energy and geothermal energy (energy stored in the earth).