Table of contents:
- What is acid rain?
- How sour is acid rain?
- What causes acid rain?
- What are the effects of acid rain?
- Impact on health
- Impact on the environment
- 1. Forest
- 2. Waters
- 3. Damage to buildings
- Can acid rain be prevented?
Acid rain is a natural phenomenon that not only affects the environment, but also your overall health. So, why can this natural phenomenon occur? Come on, find out the following complete information.
What is acid rain?
Acid rain is a natural phenomenon due to air pollution that has gone too bad. This phenomenon causes the acid drop from the atmosphere to the earth.
It is important to know that acid rain is not always rain which falls in the form of only droplets. This natural phenomenon can also occur in the form of fog, hail, snow, and even gas and dust that contain acids.
Acid rain, which falls in the form of fog, hail, or snow is called wet deposition. Meanwhile, acid rain in the form of dust, gas and other solid particles is called dry deposition.
In general, acid rain is used to describe all the acidic materials that come down to earth, whether wet or dry.
How sour is acid rain?
The level of acidity of a substance can be measured using a scale called the pH scale. The pH scale has a level from 0 to 14. The most acidic scale is 0 while the most alkaline scale is 14. Something with a pH value of 7 is called neutral, which means it is not acidic or alkaline.
Acid rain has a pH value below the number 5. In fact, ideally the pH of normal rainwater ranges from 5-6. The more acidic a substance is, the more damaging its impact will be.
Although normal rainwater is relatively slightly acidic, this condition is not as dangerous as acid rain. Normal rainwater is acidic due to the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air. This carbon dioxide reacts with water to form weak carbonic acid.
Weak carbonic acid content in rainwater is still considered normal because this type of acid can help dissolve soil minerals that are needed by living things.
What causes acid rain?
This natural phenomenon is caused by air pollution which can be triggered by human and natural activities. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NOx) are the main chemical compounds that cause acid rain to form.
The two compounds then react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acid solutions, which are pollutants that have high acidic properties. Well, this pollutant is what is known as acid rain.
Volcanic activity from volcanoes, smoke from factories and motor vehicles, coal-fired power plants, metal smelting, burning petroleum, all of these release SO2 and NO2 into the air, which in turn triggers this natural phenomenon.
The bad news is, most of the triggers for acid rain are caused by various activities carried out by humans. Over the last few decades, humans have emitted large quantities of chemical waste into the air. Without realizing it, the chemicals that are produced have changed the gas mixture in the atmosphere and triggered acid rain.
What are the effects of acid rain?
Acid rain can cause a variety of problems. Not only on health, this natural phenomenon also affects the environment. Yes, dangerous chemical compounds can be carried by the wind and move from one country to another, even from one continent to another.
Impact on health
The tiny particles produced by acid rain, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, if inhaled can cause respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis. In people who have previously had a history of the disease, this natural phenomenon can trigger a recurrence or even worsen existing symptoms.
Furthermore, this natural phenomenon can also cause permanent lung damage if you are exposed to excessive amounts of acid particles for a long period of time.
Impact on the environment
1. Forest
Rainwater that seeps into the soil can dissolve essential nutrients needed for tree growth and development. This phenomenon also causes the release of harmful substances such as aluminum into the soil, and removes the protective coating of wax from the leaves.
As a result, leaves cannot photosynthesize properly. These various things not only cause damage to trees, but also kill the ecosystem in the forest.
2. Waters
This phenomenon can also affect aquatic habitats. It is in these aquatic habitats that the effects of acid rain are most pronounced.
Lakes and rivers contaminated with acid rain can cause various species of aquatic biota to die because they are unable to survive in an acidic environment.
If the species in the water die, then this will certainly affect the food chain of other living things, including non-aquatic species such as birds.
3. Damage to buildings
Acid rain can also cause damage to many objects, including buildings, statues, monuments, and vehicles. The chemicals that result from this phenomenon can cause corrosion, aka rusting, metal objects. Metals that experience corrosion will become more brittle and porous.
If the ones experiencing corrosion are public facilities such as iron bridges, then this will certainly be dangerous. Meanwhile, in buildings made of stone, corrosion can make the rocks look worn and weathered.
Can acid rain be prevented?
The good news is, this natural phenomenon can be wisely prevented from using electrical energy. Choose energy efficient household appliances. In addition, turn off household appliances that use electricity when not in use. The less electricity you use at home, the less power plants will be emitted.
From now on, try to switch to public transportation if you want to travel. You can use public transportation, buses, KRL, or motorcycle taxis online. Instead of having to spend gas and energy to drive your own vehicle, it's good to take wise steps that are not only beneficial for yourself but also for the crowd.
Even better if you choose to bike or walk if the distance is not too far.
