- Acidification refers to the process of increasing the acidity (lowering pH) of a substance, such as soil, water, or the atmosphere. It can occur naturally or be influenced by human activities.
- Acidification of water bodies, known as acid rain or acid deposition, is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from industrial activities and fossil fuel combustion.
Acid rain
- It refers to rain or any form of precipitation that has a pH level below the normal range (around 5.6).
- It is primarily caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from industrial activities, power plants, and vehicular emissions. These pollutants react with water, oxygen, and other substances in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
- Acid rain can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, forests, crops, buildings, and human health. It can lead to the acidification of lakes and rivers, damaging aquatic life, and can also erode buildings and monuments made of limestone or other susceptible materials.
- Acid rain can have harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic organisms. Soil acidification can occur due to excessive use of acidic fertilizers or mining activities.
- Acidification can disrupt natural pH balance, leading to ecological imbalances and negative impacts on plant and animal life.
