Air pollution - effects and control - class-VIII

Acid rain is precipitation that has been made acidic by atmospheric pollution, specifically the presence of sulfur and nitrogen oxides, which harms ecosystems.

Acid deposition is the broad term for the process by which acidic components from the atmosphere fall to the Earth's surface in wet or dry forms.

Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water vapor to form acid rain, damaging forests and aquatic life.

When the pH of raindrops down below 5.5 it is called acid rain. It occurs because of oxides of sulphur (SO₂) and nitrogen (NO) which on reacting with water in the atmosphere form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These acids then come down on earth along with rain and thus, making the rain acidic. Hence, acid rain is the downpour of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitric oxide (NO).

the biggest cause of acid rain today is Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the air by fossil-fuel power plants, oil refineries, and vehicles, that react with rain water to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid respectively

Acid deposition causes damage to the foliage of various trees, including birch and pine trees, by leaching nutrients and damaging protective waxes.

Acid rain is a rain that is usually acidic (elevated levels of hydrogen ions) or low pH. It can have harmful effects on plants and aquatic animals. Acid rain is caused by emission of sulphur dioxides and nitrogen oxides which react with water molecule in the atmosphere to produce acids.

The ecological effects of acid rain are most clearly seen in the aquatic
environments, such as streams, lakes, etc. Acid rain flows into
streams, lakes and marshes after falling on forests, fields, building
and roads. Acid rain water primarily decreases the pH of water sources
from normal range (6 to 8 pH) Lakes and streams become acidic (i.e., pH
values goes down), when water itself and its surrounding soil cannot
buffer the acid rain water to neutralize it. In areas where buffering
capacity is low, acid rain releases aluminium from soils into lakes and
streams, aluminium is highly toxic to many species of aquatic organisms
leading to their mortality. Therefore, limiting the survival of aquatic
animals. So, the correct answer is 'Lowering of pH in ponds, limiting survival of aquatic organisms'.

Acid rain is acidic with a pH of below 5.6. Rain becomes acidic because of gases that dissolve in the rain. Approximately 70% of acid rain is a result of dissolved sulfur dioxide ($SO _2$), which forms sulphuric acid. The remaining 30% or so comes from various nitrogen oxides (mostly $NO _2$ and $NO _3$, which has collectedly called NOx). There are also a small percentage of hydrochloric acid and carbonic acid.

Acid rain refers to the precipitation with a pH of less than 5. It is a mixture of H$ _2$SO$ _4$ and HNO$ _3$, the ratio of the two acids vary depending on the relative quantities of sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides present in the atmosphere. These oxides are mainly produced by combustion of fossil fuels, smelters, industries, power plants, automobile exhausts etc. SO$ _2$ and NO when present in large quantities dissolved in water vapour form sulphuric acid and nitric acid which dissolve in rain water resulting in acid rain (H$ _2$SO$ _4$ ) and (HNO$ _3$) which in turn causes great damage to forests and vegetation.

The oxides in the atmosphere can react with the water to form respective acids. Generally, the non-metal oxides such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide react with water to form sulphuric and nitric acid. These acids along with rain water fall on earth as acid rain.

Acid rain is a rain that is acidic, meaning it has very low pH. When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air, they react with water and oxygen and produces sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids then mix with water and result in acid rain. Normal rain water is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5-6. When the pH level of rain water falls below this range, it becomes acid rain. It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals and infrastructure. 

Sulfur dioxide (SO$ _2$) and nitrogen oxides (NO$ _2$) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by the wind and air currents. The SO$ _2$ and NO$ _2$ react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground in the form of acid rain. When this acid deposits on land or water it results in acidity harming organisms. It also causes corrosion of building materials and paints. Thus the correct answer is option D.

Acid rain is a mixture of wet and dry deposition from the atmosphere containing higher than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. 

Sulfur dioxide emitted by factories near the monument and exhaust from trucks and buses are slowly corroding the Taj Mahal's soft marble. SO$ _2$ produces sulfurous and sulfuric acids with water. Sulfuric acid reacts with marble to produce calcium sulphate which is soluble in water hence marble dissolves and erodes. 

Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning that it possesses elevated levels of hydrogen ions with pH of less than 5. It is due to the excess of SO$ _2$and NO$ _2$ in the air which along with water form sulphurous and nitric acid. It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals and infrastructure. Taj Mahal loss of whitening is because of Acid rain.

Acid Rain is any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms.

All of the given gases are present in acid rain. Many gases from the industrial effluents and burning of fuels in automobiles led to the release of these harmful gases in the air. These get mixed with rain and form the harmful acid rain.

Acid rain is the result of increased sulphur and nitrogen oxide levels in the atmosphere. When nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide reacts with water, oxygen and other chemicals forms nitric acid and sulfuric acid which then mix with rainwater and causes acid rain. Thus, the correct answer is option E.

Mycorrhizae are the symbiotic fungi that reside in roots of higher plants and increase soil fertility by nitrogen fixation and also increase water and mineral absorption by plant roots. Fungi are beneffited by this association as they get sugar and amino acids. Both partners are benefitted; association is symbiosis. 

The Taj Mahal is made of marble (calcium carbonate), which reacts with the sulfuric acid present in acid rain, leading to the yellowing and degradation of the stone surface.

Sulphur dioxide (SO$ _2$) is an air pollutant. When this gas comes in contact with water droplets, it gets converted to mild sulphuric acid which is acidic. Hence in areas of pollution with SO$ _2$ gas, normal rain water gets converted to sulphuric acid. This is called as acid rain. Acid rain generally leads to weathering of buildings, corrosion of metals, and peeling of paints on surfaces.

The reduction in the shine of Taj mahal is understood by the term called as marble cancer. Various pollutants are emitted by the industries situated near Agra, specially the Mathura refinery. These pollutants react with the marble forming a fine layer of dust over it and also various gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide combines with moisture and settles down as acid rain on the walls of the monument thus provides a yellow tingle to its pure white marble.

Acid rain is rainfall and other forms of precipitation with a pH less than 5. Acid rain is caused by large scale emission of acidic gases into the atmosphere from thermal power plants, industries, and automobiles. The common ones are sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic carbons and hydrogen chloride. These oxides combine with water to form acids.

When the industrial activities use the fossil fuels, the excess of this usage results in the release of oxides of nitrogen and oxides of sulphur. These condense around in the troposphere and react with water to form the nitric acid, nitrous acid, and sulphuric acid. These acids precipitate with rain to form the acid rain. Acid rain is corrosive to the tissues, buildings etc.

Acid rain is rich in sulphuric acid and nitric acid. These acids have corrosive effects on the building material. They get deposited on the limestone, sandstone, marble etc. and increase their corrosion when exposed to the rain and fog.

The fossils burn in the atmosphere and forms oxides. These oxides combine with the precipitation and forms acids. This acid falls on earth as acid rain. The acid rain harms the flora and fauna. It also causes skin diseases.

Acidic compounds such as sulphuric acids and nitric acids are corrosive in nature and cause etching of marble, limestone and jewellery.

Acid rain is caused by the chemical reaction. Basically, rain that has unusually low pH is called acid rain. The most common chemicals that cause acid rain are sulphur oxides and nitric oxides. These substances rise high in the atmosphere where they react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutant. Sulphur dioxide on reaction with water and oxygen forms sulphur trioxide which is rapidly converted into sulphuric acid in presence of water.

The term acid rain was coined in 1872 by Robert Angus Smith. The acid rain is contains water having pH around 5.6. When the air pollutants like oxides of nitrogen and oxides of sulphur reach the troposphere, they react with the water or moisture and forms acids like nitric acid, nitrous acid or sulphuric acid. These acids then precipitate with the rain to form the acid rain. Hence, the correct answer is 'Angus'.

Acid rain is caused by large-scale emission of acidic gases into the atmosphere from thermal power plants, industries, and automobiles. The common ones are sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides NOx, volatile organic carbons VOCs and hydrogen chloride. NOx is also produced in the atmosphere through lightning. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are changed in the atmosphere into sulphuric acid and nitric acid by combining with oxygen and water.

Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction. Basically, rain that has unusually low pH is called acid rain. The most common chemicals that cause acid rain are sulphur oxides and nitric oxides. These substances rise high in the atmosphere where they react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutant. Sulphur dioxide on reaction with water and oxygen forms sulphur trioxide which is rapidly converted into sulphuric acid in presence of water. It accounts for 70% volume in acid rain.

Estimates regarding the economic impact of acid rain on buildings vary, but 5 billion dollars per year is a commonly cited figure in environmental science textbooks for the USA.

When sulfuric acid in acid rain reacts with calcium carbonate (limestone/marble), it produces calcium sulfate, commonly known as gypsum, which is water-soluble and washes away.

Acid rain lowers the pH of soil and water, which increases the solubility of toxic metals like aluminum, allowing them to be leached from rocks and soil into water systems.

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted from burning coal react with atmospheric moisture to form sulfuric and nitric acids, resulting in acid rain.

Acid deposition significantly lowers the pH of lakes and soil, which can be lethal to aquatic organisms and damage forest ecosystems.

The primary component of acid rain is sulfuric acid, formed from the oxidation of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere.

Acid rain is primarily caused by the emission of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

Sulfur dioxide is the most significant precursor to the formation of sulfuric acid in the atmosphere, which is the main driver of acid rain.

Fungi have a well-defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and are classified as eukaryotes.

Acid rain will lower down the pH of pond water and will cause an adverse effect on survival of many organisms as the acidic environment does not support the growth and existence of organisms. 

Acid rain is caused by burning of fossil fuels. By reducing the amount of burning of fossil fuel, which is one of the major cause of acid rain, frequency of acid rain can be reduced. Bigger fishes may or may not withstand the acidity. Supply of excess phosphorus and water may not benefit the plants as absorption of these substances by plant is not guaranteed. Likewise, supplying excess sugar and amino acid wont benefit the fungi. Adding alkaline might help but are not eco-friendly.

Acid rain has no direct effect on the ozone layer. Acid rain is the rain which has unusually low pH and has acidic pollutant of nitric acid and sulphuric acid caused by the atmospheric oxides of nitrogen and sulphur. There is a little mixing of ozone with troposphere which occurs by downwind. The pollutants which cause acid rain do not make it into the ozone layer in any significant amount. The clouds appear in the troposphere and precipitation occurs from there causing rain. So, acid rain is between the troposphere and the earth's surface (Lithosphere) while the ozone layer is in the stratosphere. Plants and animals are worst affected by the acid rain.

Acid rain is caused by the chemical reaction. Basically, rain that has unusually low pH is called acid rain. The most common chemicals that cause acid rain are sulphur oxides and nitric oxides. These substances rise high in the atmosphere where they react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutant. Sulphur dioxide on reaction with water and oxygen forms sulphur trioxide which is rapidly converted into sulphuric acid in presence of water.

Acid rain is a formed due to the mixing of oxides of several harmful gases with the rain. Acid rain formation result from both natural sources, such as volcanoes and decaying vegetation, and man-made sources, primarily emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides resulting from fossil fuel combustion. These gases react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form various acidic compounds. 

NOx and $SO _2$ are emitted by fossil fuel combustion especially coal. These chemicals are converted into sulfuric acid and nitric acid in the atmosphere when they react with water vapour. When these acids are mixed with rain water they from acid rain. Thus, the correct answer is option D.

pH 7 is the neutral pH that does not harm plants and animals. Both plant and fungi will survive. Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Acid rain is a result of a chemical reaction occurring in a localized area where the concentration of the oxides of nitrogen and sulphur are high. An area where there are factories will have an accumulation of sulphur dioxide in the air. These oxides react with water and precipitate in the form of the acid rain. For example, around the Taj Mahal area, the presence of the Mathura Refinery has caused multiple events of acid rain.

a. DDT is the organochlorine that was used as the insecticide. It is insoluble in water but shows persistence in the adipose tissues of the living organisms due to which it keeps in accumulating at the successive trophic level in the food chain. This accumulation is called the biological accumulation.

Acid rain damages plants by direct effect on foliage and growing point-chlorosis, necrosis, defoliation, dieback. It causes leaching of essential minerals of soil.

Smog is a portmanteau of the words smoke and fog, describing a type of intense air pollution.

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, which is common in pottery and mining industries.

Smog is formed when fog is mixed with smoke. The presence of unburnt hydrocarbons in air when mixed with condensed water vapour forms a thick layer called smog. It lowers the visibility during winters and is an indication of air pollution.

Smoke released from various sources may get mixed with dust particles and small drops of fog to produce what is called smog.

Photochemical smog is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in the presence of sunlight.

Cement factory workers are exposed to dust containing silica and other minerals, leading to respiratory conditions often referred to as cytosilicosis or similar dust-related lung diseases.

Reducing smog, also known as sulfurous smog or London smog, is characterized by high concentrations of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.

Smog contains harmful particulates and gases that irritate the respiratory tract, leading to breathing difficulties and other lung-related issues.

Physical pollutants include heat, sound, and radiation. Soot is a particulate matter, which is classified as a chemical or physical particulate pollutant, but in many contexts, it is distinguished from pure physical energy pollutants.