ACID RAIN

Acid Rain is a little talked about atmospheric problem directly linked to the burning of most hydrocarbons in industrial and vehicular applications.

> first identified by Dr Harvey Uof T

> lakes near Sudbury were found devoid of life

> when hydrocarbons undergo combustion S and N compounds are generated that travel throughout the atmosphere to distant locations and fall in precipitation as acid rain
> sunlight assist the photochemical reactions
> often the source of pollution is in another country (trans boundary problem) 

                                       S + H2O  => H2SO4  sulphuric acid     (unbalanced)
    4 NO2 (g)   +   2 H2O (l)   + O2   =>   4 HNO3 (l)  nitric acid  (balanced)

 Acid Rain  damages whole ecosystems (aquatic and terrestrial) at various levels

-leaves are damaged, soil fungi surrounding roots are harmed

- fish form deformed skeletons,

- arthropods and mollusks are unable to form proper exoskeletons and shells

- lower pH increases the solubility of alkali and heavy metals releasing them in toxic levels into the environment ( Hg Vd Cd )

>> http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/community/classroom/c4-acid-rain-e.html
>> http://www.issues2000.org/Celeb/Ronald_Reagan_Environment.htm