Abstract This paper explains that acidrain as an environmental concern is not mentioned as much any more though its danger remains. The paper points out that acidrain is a global problem because wind directions are global. The paper also describes the many adverse effects of acidrain such as its impact on fish larvae. The paper then discusses the parts of the 1990 Clean Air Act, which are devoted to the prevention of acidrain. The paper includes many formulas detailing the creation and effects of acidrain.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
AcidRain Chemistry of AcidRain Adverse Effects of AcidRain Efforts to Curb the Effects of AcidRain
From the Paper "This same idea can be used to explain atmospheric pollution. A few decades ago, the beautiful, Indian monument, the Taj Mahal, started developing cracks in it and the brilliant marble colors started taking on a dull hue. It was discovered that a nearby factory was releasing sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The resulting acid rain had deposited on the surface of the marble (CaCO3) converting it into the dull gypsum (CaSO4.1/2 H2O). Calcium sulfate also has twice the molar volume of calcium carbonate. This expansion had resulted in added stress resulting in cracks."
Tags: ecosystem, global winds, carbonic acid, photosynthesis guidelines
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of acidrain. Specifically, it defines acidrain and discusses its effect on the environment.
From the Paper "The term "acid rain" is really a bit of a misnomer, because acid "rain" can be either wet or dry, and is a global term that covers almost any type of acid that falls from the atmosphere onto the Earth (EPA). Acid rain is often called "acid deposition" by scientists, but the common term most of the public understands is acid rain. Acid rain is a mixture of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which result from burning fossil fuels like coal and oil. These chemicals react as they are released into the atmosphere, and join to create a mild solution of acidic compounds that becomes acid rain when it falls to the ground mixed with precipitation, such as rain, fog, and snow, or falls to the ground on its own if there is enough of it in the air. Acid rain is common all over the world, and as our reliance on fossil fuels grows, so does the potential for increasing acid rain."
Abstract Due to the fact that the world's tropical rainforests are located in areas far from the United States, many people ignore the fact that their future may depend on the future of these forests. Rainforests are being destroyed at an increasingly fast pace, much faster than any other ecological zone on earth. This paper examines the effect of acidrain on rainforests, mainly as a large contributor to deforestation, particularly in localized industrial areas in Africa, China, southeast Asia and northern South America.
From the Paper "Researcher also believe that we should be concerned about the impact of acid rain on forest soils, as there is evidence that acid rain has already caused significant changes in the chemistry of some sensitive soils. As acid rain seeps through the soils, it can erode vital plant nutrients through chemical reactions, presenting a threat to future forest productivity."
Abstract This paper explores how acidrain is produced, what its impact is on the environment, what has been done by government agencies to help the problem, how effective these measures have been, what individuals can do to help reduce this problem, what are the current technologies for reducing emissions and how these technologies can be used to reduce acidrain in the future. It demonstrates that current attempts to reduce emissions from power plants will not have a significant effect on acidrain reduction; and will support the idea that there is not a single solution to the problem of acidrain, but rather a combination of technologies and methods will have to be utilized to have a noticeable effect of the reduction of and repair of environmental destruction caused by acidrain.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
How AcidRain is Formed
Effect of AcidRain on the Environment
How Large is This Problem?
What Has Already Been Done to Reduce Emissions?
Have These Measures Been Effective?
What is the Future of the AcidRain Issue?
How Can an Individual Help?
Current Trends in Alternative Power as a Solution to the Problem
Summary
Works Cited
From the paper:
"Our modern world has many conveniences. We enjoy hot water, lights, computers, cars, and many other conveniences, which are now an integral part of our society. Many of us cannot imagine life without them. We seldom think about the costs every time we turn on a light. We do not think about the where the electricity is produced and what the effects on the environment might be. We simply turn on the light. As with all good things, there is a cost. One cost of our modern conveniences is acidrain caused by the burning of fossil fuels. The effects of acidrain came into the forefront during the early seventies as its effects began to be noticed on a global level. The impact of the effects of acidrain is considered to be of great concern to some and of little concern to others. No matter which side you are on, we all must agree that energy consumption will continue to increase globally and we must be weary of the effects of energy production and always stay focused on future generations."
Abstract This paper discusses the definition and causes of acidrain, as well as its harmful effects on aquatic systems, forests, man-made structures and human health. It also discusses the global implications of acidrain as a migratory form of air pollution and how this presents problems in the regulatory arena, especially from an international standpoint--for example, when acidrain generated by factories in the southern U.S. states is blown by wind patterns across the Mexican border, or vice versa.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is Acid Precipitation?
Definition
Common Pollutants and Reactions Involved
Sources of Acid Precipitation Pollutants
The Harmful Effects of Acid Precipitation
Effects on Aquatic Systems
Effects on Forests and Other Terrestrial Ecosystems
Effects on Man-Made Structures and Materials
Effects on Human Health
Global Implications of the Acid Precipitation Problem
Air Pollution Migration
The International Challenge
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Air pollution is a well-recognized environmental problem throughout the world. Studies have shown, time and time again, that the environmental and health-based impacts of air pollution are both detrimental and undeniable. One of the most important forms of air pollution for our society as a whole to recognize and deal with in an expedient manner is acid precipitation. Because of the very nature of this type of air pollution, the direct and indirect effects of acid precipitation are both far-reaching and difficult to get under control. Understanding more about the causes, effects, and implications of acid precipitation and its impacts on our daily lives is the first step that we all need to take in adopting a more proactive approach to solving this problem."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of acidrain and its impact on the environment. The writer explores what acidrain is and how it is created and then details the many different ways that it can hurt the eco-system. The writer concludes with a discussion about what can be done, on an individual and organizational level, to reduce the threat of acidrain to the environment.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What Is It?
Effects of Acidrain Solving the Problem
Conclusion
From the Paper "The harm that acid rain does can be measured tangibly with scientific testing but it also has an intangible impact on the atmosphere as it causes changes to the way things look and feel as well. The beauty of plants and forests and streams can be negatively affected through the damage that acid rain leaves behind (Understanding acid rain http://weather.about.com/library/weekly/aa032502a.htm)."
"One of the more specific issues with acid rains is its ability to cause the acidification of lakes and streams worldwide. It is also causing damage to trees, especially the trees that are found at higher elevations. One example of this is the red spruce trees that are normally located at 2,000 feet above sea level (Effects of Acid Rain http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/effects/index.html)."
Abstract This paper provides a definition of "acidrain" and how it is formed. It looks at the dangers of acidrain and the damage it is doing to the environment. It briefly examines options and programs that can be performed to reduce acidrain.
From the Paper "The term "acid rain" is a little misleading. Rain is naturally acidic, from both carbon dioxide in the air and absorption of chlorine from the ocean (Gordon, 2002). All compounds can be measured for acidity or alkalinity on a Ph scale ranging from 0 ? 14, with anything below 7 showing at least slight acidity. Rain is judged "acid" when its Ph falls below 5. (Gordon, 2002) Environmental scientists are concerned because in some parts of our country, the level of acidity in rain and snow has increased beyond its normal levels. This has had a serious impact in several areas, including our forests in the northeast and many of our most valued monuments."
A discussion on the effect of acidrain on forests and the way in which the deposition of acidrain and particles make plants and trees more susceptible to disease.
Abstract The following paper examines why environmental scientists are concerned that the level of acidity in rain and snow has increased beyond its normal levels in the United States. The writer discusses the ways in which this has had a serious impact in several areas, including forests in the northeast and many of the country's most valued monuments.
From the Paper "Munton (1998) expresses the same concerns. He notes that emissions have already been reduced by 50%. That is an impressive improvement, but perhaps still more than delicate ecosystems can stand. He suggests that we may need even more restrictive interventions in place, and points out that modern society's effects on the atmosphere goes beyond acid rain, which may also affect human health, but to breathable particulates, effects on the ozone layer, and regional haze making particular areas periodically more vulnerable to the effects of airborne pollutants.
"In conclusion, it may be too soon to be satisfied with our efforts so far. Given the tremendous amount of pollution released into the air, a 50% reduction may be a result that looks good on paper but that is still significantly damaging to our environment."
Abstract This paper explains the definition of acidrain which is created mainly by man made pollutants invading the air and its disastrous effect on the environment. The writer of this paper details the effects of acidrain on animals, marine life, lakes, streams and forests while stressing the importance of controlling the spread of this environmentally hazardous phenomenon while examining the different methods currently being used to reduce harmful emissions and pollutants. Includes graphs.
From the Paper "The Ph of rain is dropping because we add tremendous amounts of material to the air. Some of this is in the form of particles and is pulled back to the earth by gravity, but water-soluble gases such as sulfur dioxide mix with the moisture in the atmosphere and return to the Earth as rain or snow. This return to Earth is called "deposition." (Gordon, 2002) The dust particles can leech into the soil, changing the nutrients available in our forests. One source for these extra elements in the air and precipitation is fossil fuels, fuels such as oil and coal. These fuels release significant amounts of both sulfur dioxide and nitrogen, which become part of our rain and snow."
From the Paper "Acid rain is a major problem facing the environment today. It is formed through both natural and Anthropogenic sources. Industrial emissions are Anthropogenic sources, and a volcano eruption is an example of a natural source. One of the most direct effects of acid rain is on aquatic ecosystems. Among the variety of organisms in aquatic systems effected by acid rain are fish. Acid rain has many toxic effects on fish leading to decrease in their presence, diversity, abundance and well being. "Biological observations of damaged fish communities in acid waters show that the number of species is less than expected, that the structure of population is anomalous, and productivity and yield are reduced"(Howells, 1995). Acid rain is not a new problem. It's effects have been observed for centuries. ?As industrialization of Europe developed, other observers in England, Sweden, Austria and Germany confirmed the "poisonous" nature smoke emissions from various activities?(Howells, 1995). It was a major problem in industrialized cities as far back as the 1800s. "
Abstract First, acidrain is identified and explained. The problems it presents are identified. Finally, the current situation and future policy directions are considered.
Abstract This well-researched and detailed paper explores the effects of acidic precipitation (acidrain) which has been a major factor in fish kills throughout countries in the northern hemisphere. The writer of this paper cites numerous studies which have linked aluminum toxicity along with acidrain as the main cause of fish extinction. This paper stresses the urgency in developing a successful management tool in determining the viability of fish populations in various natural settings. This paper also contains detailed information and results of various case studies as well as two graphs that support the author's claims in this report.
From the Paper "The fish used in this experiment were obtained from a trout farm which ensures the relative similarity of the fishes used in the experiment. They were acclimated to artificial soft water for 2 weeks before they were used in the experiment. They were then transferred to flux chambers for the experiment and given 24 to 48 hours to recover from the handling stress before they were exposed for 24 hours to low-pH water (pH 4.4, 4.8, or 5.2) A control group (N=36) for each of these pHs was left in these conditions for 10 days. The experimental group after this 24 hour exposure to low pH levels were exposed to concentrations of Al of 111, 333, or 1000 ug/L at the same pH (N=72)."
Abstract In this paper the author describes a science project in which she attempted to see if antacids had an affect on acid, in particular, acid in soil. In the research, the author hypothesizes, before conducting her experiment, that the antacid will decrease the acidity of the soil. After conducting her experiment, the author concludes that the data collected supports her hypothesis.
From the Paper "The immediate purpose for this experiment was to determine the relationship between antacids and acidity in soil. As discussed in the discussion, I believe that the antacids would have an affect on the acidity mainly because antacids are neutralizers. The data that I collected did support my hypothesis. Although the data may have inadequacies because of the sources of error, it shows that the acidity of the soil did decrease in response to adding the antacids into the soil. The reason why I believe that the data is inaccurate in some parts is because after adding 35 g of antacids, the results turned back towards the acidic end of the pH scale. It wasn't until adding the 50 g of antacid that the results skyrocketed toward the base end of the scale."
Abstract This ten-page undergraduate paper examines the issue of acidrain in eastern Canada and the New England states. The author notes that acidrain is created through the reaction of air pollutants such as sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides with water in the air, which forms strong acids such as sulfuric and nitric acid. It spreads across wide geographic areas, making it difficult to conclusively determine who is responsible for damages, thus creating political controversy and complicating efforts to reduce it. While progress has been made in reducing acidrain, much more needs to be done, both politically and in private industry.
Abstract This paper describes the environmental damage that acidrain has caused in Canada. It explains what acidrain is and details the threat it poses to the environment, to wildlife and to human life. The paper also discusses its causes, what needs to be done to prevent further damage, and why very little has been done, thus far, to address the problem of acidrain.
From the Paper "While Canada has far more open land, and less population and industrialization than many other nations,. The seriousness of the acidification of its lakes is beginning to pose a serious problem, to wildlife drinking the water, to fish in the water and to humans who may use lake-water pumped into potable water supply in cities and towns. The one area that seems to be "safe", or virtually so, are the Great lakes, because enormous amounts in limestone both in and around the lakes purify and filter the acids."
