What is acid deposition?
Acid deposition can be justified as any form of precipitation with acidic components with a pH level of less than 5.6, such as sulfuric or nitric acid, that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. As a result, acid deposition from atmospheric precipitation makes soils, lakes and ponds become acidic. This process begins when sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, typical air pollutants, are transformed into sulfuric and nitric acid compounds in the atmosphere, with resultant changes of their properties. These acid compounds are carried by the wind as fine particles on sunny days. They dissolve in raindrops on rainy days or within clouds, then fall to the earth's surface and making the environment acidic.
What compounds are agents of acid deposition?
Pollutant gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are released into the atmosphere when fuels such as oil and coal are burnt. Sulphur oxides and other sulphur compounds are also released by natural sources, particularly during volcanic activity. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are the major causative agents or also known as precursors of acid deposition. When released into the atmosphere, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide change into sulphuric and nitric acid compounds by chemical transformation.
Why acid deposition and air pollution?
Air pollution occurs when pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides formed during the combustion of fossil fuels (oil, coal, etc.) are released into the atmosphere and cause adverse effects on ecosystems and the human body, plants and animals.
