Acid Deposition

Acid deposition, also known as acid rain, refers to the deposition of acidic substances from the
atmosphere onto the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, fog, or dust particles. These
acids are primarily formed when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with
atmospheric moisture to create sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3), respectively.

Formation of Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4):

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is emitted into the atmosphere primarily from burning fossil fuels, such as
coal and oil, and industrial processes. In the atmosphere, it reacts with atmospheric moisture to
form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a major component of acid rain.

SO2(g) + H2O(l) -> H2SO4(aq)

Formation of Nitric Acid (HNO3):

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are mainly produced from combustion processes in vehicles and
power plants, are released into the atmosphere. In the presence of moisture, nitrogen dioxide
(NO2) reacts with atmospheric water to form nitric acid (HNO3), another significant contributor to
acid deposition.

2NO2(g) + H2O(l) -> HNO3(aq) + HNO2(aq)

Impacts of Acid Deposition:

1. Ecosystem Damage: Acid deposition can harm forests, lakes, rivers, and other
ecosystems. The increased acidity in the soil and water can damage plants, reduce
biodiversity, and disrupt the life cycles of aquatic organisms. Acid-sensitive species are
particularly vulnerable to these changes.

2. Water Quality Degradation: Acid rain can lead to the acidification of lakes and streams,
making them too acidic for many aquatic species to survive. This can disrupt entire
aquatic food chains and negatively impact fisheries and water resources.

3. Soil Depletion: Acid deposition can leach essential nutrients from the soil, making it less
fertile and limiting the growth of vegetation. This, in turn, can affect agriculture and
natural plant communities.

4. Infrastructure Damage: Acid rain can corrode buildings, statues, and infrastructure made
of limestone or marble, which contain calcium carbonate that reacts with acids. This
leads to the degradation of historical monuments and building structures.
 5. Human Health: Acid rain and the release of air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
oxides can have adverse effects on human health, particularly respiratory issues and
exacerbation of asthma symptoms.

Chosen Impact and Scientific Solution:

Let's focus on the impact of Ecosystem Damage, which is one of the most significant
consequences of acid deposition.

Scientific Solution:- Liming

Liming is a scientific solution employed to address the harmful effects of acid deposition on
ecosystems, particularly in areas affected by soil and water acidification. It involves the
application of limestone (calcium carbonate) or lime (calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide) to
neutralize the acidity in the soil and water bodies.

How Liming Works:

Soil Application: Agricultural lime (calcium carbonate) or hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) is
spread over acidified soil. When these lime compounds react with the acidic components in the
soil, they neutralize the acidity and raise the soil's pH level.

Water Bodies: In the case of acidified lakes or rivers, powdered limestone or lime can be added
directly to the water. This process raises the pH level of the water, making it less acidic and
more hospitable for aquatic life.

Benefits of Liming:

Restoring Soil Fertility: Liming helps to improve soil structure, restore essential nutrients, and
enhance the growth of acid-sensitive plants.

Enhancing Aquatic Life: By reducing water acidity, liming supports the recovery of aquatic
ecosystems, including fish populations and other aquatic organisms.

Protecting Biodiversity: The application of lime can help protect acid-sensitive species and
promote biodiversity in affected areas.

Preserving Infrastructure: Liming can also help reduce the rate of corrosion on buildings and
statues that are vulnerable to acid rain damage.

Limitations and Considerations:

Liming is not a permanent solution and requires periodic application, depending on the rate of
acid deposition in a particular area. Additionally, excessive liming can lead to its own
environmental issues, such as nutrient imbalances and changes in soil chemistry. Therefore,
careful monitoring and a balanced approach are necessary to ensure its effectiveness and
ecological sustainability.

Bibliography:

● EPA. “What Is Acid Rain?” US EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 24 June 2022,

www.epa.gov/acidrain/what-acid-rain. Accessed 31 July 2023.

● Butler, Thomas J, and Gene E Likens. “Acid Rain | Definition, Causes, Effects, & Formulas.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 10

Jan. 2019, www.britannica.com/science/acid-rain. Accessed 31 July 2023.

● United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Effects of Acid Rain | US EPA.” US EPA, United States Environmental

Protection Agency, 24 June 2022, www.epa.gov/acidrain/effects-acid-rain. Accessed 31 July 2023.

● Lawrence, Gregory B., et al. “A New Look at Liming as an Approach to Accelerate Recovery from Acidic Deposition

Effects.” Science of the Total Environment, vol. 562, Aug. 2016, pp. 35–46,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.176. Accessed 1 August 2023.

● Magazines, Caxton. “The Advantages of Liming.” Farmer’s Weekly, 15 Feb. 2016, www.farmersweekly.co.za/farming-

basics/how-to-crop/the-advantages-of-liming/#:~:text=Liming%20adds%20calcium%20to%20the%20soil.&text=It

%20enhances%20the%20availability%20of. Accessed 1 August 2023.

● Clair, Thomas A, and Atle Hindar. “Liming for the Mitigation of Acid Rain Effects in Freshwaters: A Review of Recent

Results.” Environmental Reviews, vol. 13, no. 3, 1 Sept. 2005, pp. 91–128, https://doi.org/10.1139/a05-009. Accessed 1

August 2023.