Acid Rain

Acid rain is most commonly referred to sulfuric and nitric acids, as a result of mixing of the emitted sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the atmosphere with rainwater.

SO2 and NOX in the atmosphere primarily originate from:

  • The combustion of fossil fuels for electricity generation, accounting for around two-thirds of SO2 and one-fourth of NOX emissions.
  • Vehicles and heavy machinery.
  • Manufacturing, oil refineries, and similar industries.

Wind can transport these pollutants over extended distances and across borders, causing acid rain to be a global concern affecting everyone, not just those in close proximity to emission sources.

This image illustrates the pathway for acid rain in our environment: (1) Emissions of SO2 and NOx are released into the air, where (2) the pollutants are transformed into acid particles that may be transported long distances. (3) These acid particles then fall to the earth as wet and dry deposition (dust, rain, snow, etc.) and (4) may cause harmful effects on soil, forests, streams, and lakes
Courtesy of EPA – https://www.epa.gov/acidrain/what-acid-rain#:~:text=Acid%20rain%2C%20or%20acid%20deposition,even%20dust%20that%20is%20acidic.