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Acid Rain Formation
Effects on Soils
When acid rain falls to the
ground, the acidic water is
absorbed into the soil or runs off
into lakes, streams, or ponds.
Depending on the alkalinity of the
soil, the acid level will either be
neutralized or increased. If the
soil is alkaline, little or no damage
will occur to the vegetation.
However, if the soil is naturally
acidic and the level of acidity is
increased, important nutrients are
depleted from the soil, and the
plants will starve.
Buffering Capacity
The ability of soil to
neutralize acid
precipitation is called
its buffering capacity.
Buffering Capacity
LIMESTONE reacts
with acid to
neutralize it, so soils
derived from
limestone have a very
good ability to
neutralize acids.
Limestone soils have
a HIGH buffering
capacity.
Buffering Capacity
Soils in the West
and Mid-west are
derived from
LIMESTONE so
they have a very
good ability to
neutralize acids.
Limestone soils
have a HIGH
buffering capacity.
Buffering Capacity
GRANITE does
not react with
acids, so granitic
soils have very
little ability to
neutralize acids.
The have a LOW
buffering capacity.
Buffering Capacity
Alpine lakes have
very little soil
and are generally
found on the
GRANITE roots
of mountains.
They have a very
little ability to
neutralize acid
rain.
Buffering Capacity
Double Threat
The Northeast US
and Western
Europe and
Scandanavia are
doubly sensitive to
acid precipitation:
They are on
granite bedrock
They are downwind
of the prevailing
winds.
Active Transport
Smokestacks
Chemical Reactions
Isopleths
Lines on a map connecting areas of equal
acidity are called isopleths.
Effects on Fish
As pH increases, the amount of
aquatic organisms decreases!
Health
When we breathe in
air pollution, the
very fine
particulates can
easily enter our
lungs, where they
can cause breathing
problems, and over
time even lead to
cancer.
Effects of Acid Rain
On the Natural Environment
Aquatic Environments
• Acidification of lakes, rivers and groundwaters
• Release of metals from soils.
• Damage or death to some
– Microorganisms
– Emerging dragonflies
Snails
Fish
Terrestrial Environments
• Reduced forest productivity
• Damage to agricultural crops
• Increased soil fertility in some areas
Effects of Acid Rain
On Man and Man-made Objects
• Deterioration of:
– Buildings
– Statues
– Metal structures
– Paint Fabrics
• Drinking Water Contamination
• Contribution to respiratory diseases
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