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== '''[[ | == '''[[Acid rain]]''' == | ||
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''' | '''Acid rain''' is a popular term for the atmospheric deposition of acidified [[rain]], [[snow]], sleet, hail and [[particulates]], as well as acidified [[fog]] and [[cloud]] [[water]]. The increased [[pH|acidity]] of these depositions, primarily from [[Sulfuric acid|sulfuric]] and [[nitric acid]]s, is generated as a by-product of the [[combustion]] of fuels,<ref>'''Note:''' Sulfuric acid is formed from the sulfur dioxide resulting from combustion of sulfur-containing fuels. Nitric acid is formed from the [[nitrogen oxides]] resulting from the high temperature partial conversion of the [[nitrogen]] contained in the combustion air.</ref> especially in [[fossil fuel]] [[power plant]]s. The heating of homes, electricity production, and driving vehicles all rely primarily on fossil fuel [[Energy (science)|energy]]. When fossil fuels are burned, [[acid]]-forming [[nitrogen oxides]] and [[sulfur oxides]] are released to the [[atmosphere]]. These [[chemical compound]]s are transformed in the atmosphere, often traveling thousands of [[kilometer]]s from their original source, and then fall out on land and water surfaces as acid rain. As a result, air [[pollutant]]s from power plants in the states of [[New Jersey]] or [[Michigan]] can impact pristine forests or lakes in undeveloped parts of the states of [[New Hampshire]] or [[Maine]].<ref name=eoearth>The primary source for this article was [http://www.eoearth.org/article/Acid_rain?topic=49506 Acid Rain] August 7, 2010 (last revised October 19, 2010), Gene Likens (Lead author), Wayne Davis, Lori Zaikowski and Stephen C. Nodvin. (Published on the website of the [[Encyclopedia of Earth]])</ref> | ||
Acid rain in [[North America]] was discovered in 1963 in rain at the [[Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest]] (HBEF)<ref>'''Note:''' Site of the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study in the [[White Mountains]] of [[New Hampshire]]</ref> that was some 100 times more acidic than unpolluted rain. Innovations for reducing fossil fuel combustion [[Air pollution emissions|emissions]], such as scrubbers upstream of the tall [[flue gas stack]]s on power plants and other industrial facilities, [[catalytic converter]]s on automobiles, and use of low-[[sulfur]] [[coal]], have been employed to reduce emissions of [[sulfur dioxide]] (SO<sub>2</sub>) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). | |||
''[[ | ''Note:'' While the examples in this article describe the North American situation, the nature and effects of acid rain are similar all over the world. | ||
''[[Acid rain|.... (read more)]]'' | |||
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Revision as of 14:35, 20 July 2013
Acid rain
Acid rain is a popular term for the atmospheric deposition of acidified rain, snow, sleet, hail and particulates, as well as acidified fog and cloud water. The increased acidity of these depositions, primarily from sulfuric and nitric acids, is generated as a by-product of the combustion of fuels,[1] especially in fossil fuel power plants. The heating of homes, electricity production, and driving vehicles all rely primarily on fossil fuel energy. When fossil fuels are burned, acid-forming nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released to the atmosphere. These chemical compounds are transformed in the atmosphere, often traveling thousands of kilometers from their original source, and then fall out on land and water surfaces as acid rain. As a result, air pollutants from power plants in the states of New Jersey or Michigan can impact pristine forests or lakes in undeveloped parts of the states of New Hampshire or Maine.[2]
Acid rain in North America was discovered in 1963 in rain at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF)[3] that was some 100 times more acidic than unpolluted rain. Innovations for reducing fossil fuel combustion emissions, such as scrubbers upstream of the tall flue gas stacks on power plants and other industrial facilities, catalytic converters on automobiles, and use of low-sulfur coal, have been employed to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Note: While the examples in this article describe the North American situation, the nature and effects of acid rain are similar all over the world.
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