7.7: Acid Rain

Question 1

Sources of NOx

Answer 1

Vehicle Emissions, diesel generators, coal power plants

Question 2

Sources of SO2

Answer 2

Coal power plants, metal factories, diesel fuel vehicles

Question 3

Limiting Acid Rain by reducing NOx and Sox

Answer 3

• Higher CAFE standards
• More public transit
• Renewable energy sources
• Efficient Electricity Use

Question 4

How does acid rain form?

Answer 4

NOx and SOx in the atm react with O2 and H2O to from nitric and sulfuric acid which dissociates in the presence of water into sulfate and nitrate ions and hydrogen ions

Limits tree growth

Question 5

What are the environmental effects of acid rain?

Answer 5

• H+ ions leech other beneficial nutrients like Ca2+ and K+ from the soil
• They make toxic metals like aluminum and mercury more soluble in soil and water which can slow plant growth or kill plants and animals
• It pushes aquatic species outside their optimal range which can lead to population decline (aluminum toxicity and disrupted blood osmolarity)

Question 6

Indicator Species

Answer 6

Whitemoss/filamentous algae pop indicates pH < 6.0 while crustacean pop. indicates pH > 6.0

Question 7

Neutralizing Acid Rain by using limestone

Answer 7

CACO3 reacts with the H+ ions to form HCO3/bicarbonate ions and gives off Ca2+ neutralizing the acidic water/soil