Acid Rain - Impact and Cause

Within the last decade acid rain has become an environmental concern of global importance. Acid Rain is rain with pH values less that 5.6. The acid consists of sulfur and nitrogen compounds that are produced naturally by the decay of organic matter in swamps, wetlands, intertidal areas, and shallow waters of the oceans. The amount that is contributed to the atmosphere from these sources is not known for sure but is quite large. Estimates of naturally …

…-> HNO2 + HNO3 It seems like there is not much that one individual can do to stop acid deposition. However, like many environmental problems, acid deposition is caused by the increasing actions of millions of individual people. Therefore, each individual can also reduce their contribution to the problem and become part of the solution. Individuals can contribute directly by conserving energy, since energy production causes the largest portion of the acid deposition problem.