Abstract

Acid rain is the deposition of acidic elements in the atmosphere that affects the ground as rain,
snow, particles, gases, and vapors. Ducros (1845) was the first to notice acid rain, and English
scientist Robert Angus Smith (Smith, 1852) was the first to describe it. Smith's pioneering
research linked the sources to industrial emissions and contained early findings of harmful
environmental effects. Our current knowledge of acid rain as an environmental hazard produced
mostly by regional sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions originate from
observations made by Svante Odén (Odén, 1976) in Sweden and Gene Likens, and colleagues
in North America in the 1960s and early 1970s (Likens and Bormann, 1974). These scientists,
as well as many others who followed, established a link between acid rain and emissions from
coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources, as well as the environmental effects of acid
rain, including acidification of surface waters and toxic effects on vegetation, fish, humans, and
the ecosystem. This article aims to delve further into this matter and familiarize the readers with
the findings of said scientists while also trying to elaborate more on the issue at hand.

Research Questions

Judging by the name alone, it can be concluded that acid rain is not something that can be
described as a boon of any sort. If we are to understand how much of a problem acid rain has
turned out to be in recent times, we must be able to identify :

● What are the main causes behind acidification?

● How acid rain can be measured and what is its chemical composition?
 ● What are the threats that are posed to natural and human environment posed by acid
rain?
● What measures can be taken to minimize and prevent the effects of acid rain?

Conclusion

Earth is the only planet known to be able to sustain life. A big factor contributed towards this feat
is the fact that Earth has a supply of water. Although the Earth is 71% water, fresh water is still
our most prized natural resource. Without water, it would have been impossible to sustain such
a wide variety of species and organisms. Though acid rain existed before humans and their
industrial revolution through natural processes, it is has now become a global issue. Not only is
acid rain devastating the flora and fauna, it is also clear to see that it is eating away at our
infrastructures and giving rise to several diseases and ailments. If we are to co-exist in a
situation where our activities cause such issues to our environment, we must each play our part
and adapt to be able to control and contain the threats posed to us by this environmental
hazard.

References

Ducros, M., “Observation d’une pluie acide’”, J. Pharm. Chim. 3, 7, 273-277, 1845.

Renberg, I., Korsman, T., & Anderson, N. (1993). A Temporal Perspective of Lake Acidification
in Sweden. Ambio, 22(5), 264-271. Retrieved September 7, 2021, from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/4314088
Likens, G. and Bormann, F., 1974. Acid Rain: A Serious Regional Environmental Problem.
Science, 184(4142), pp.1176-1179.

Gorham, E. (1982). Robert Angus Smith, F.R.S., and 'Chemical Climatology'. Notes and
Records of the Royal Society of London, 36(2), 267-272. Retrieved September 7, 2021, from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/531779