Abstract This paper explains that acid rain as an environmental concern is not mentioned as much any more though its danger remains. The paper points out that acid rain is a global problem because wind directions are global. The paper also describes the many adverse effects of acid rain 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 acid rain. The paper includes many formulas detailing the creation and effects of acid rain.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Acid Rain
Chemistry of Acid Rain
Adverse Effects of Acid Rain
Efforts to Curb the Effects of Acid Rain
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, carbonicacid, photosynthesis guidelines
A discussion on the effect of acid rain on forests and the way in which the deposition of acid rain 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 describes a chemistry experiment on acid-base reactions and calculates the ka, kb, pka and pkb from the pH determinations. The paper explains that the experiment involves measuring the pH of solutions of vinegar (acetic acid), seltzer water (carbonicacid) and ammonia.
From the Paper "This laboratory is concerned with the determination of the pka and pkb of weak acids and bases. Most of the acid or base of weak acids or bases exists in the molecular form in solution with little ionization. There are standard formulas for calculation..."
Abstract This paper provides a detailed overview of acids and bases in the pH scale, including the history, characteristics, types, and Ka values with chemistry and biology applications. The paper covers seven main parts: the history starting with the Romans; the definition of both an acid and a base; the characteristics of acids and bases; types of acids and bases; how to determine an acid number; the relationship between acids and bases to the pH scale; and aqueous and self-ionization solutions. I. Introduction A. What do acids and alkalines have in common? 1.To test whether temperature affected the acidity of different liquids. 2. The complexity and fascination of such project. 3. If different types of liquids were utilized, then temperature would certainly make a difference, however minimal. II. History A. The history of acids have dated back centuries. 1. The Romans first coined the term acidus. 2. Lavoisier's work with acids. 3. Predecessors, such as Arrhenius. III. Definition of acid A. The definition of acids have been controversial at times. 1. The Arrhenius definition 2. The Bronsted definition 3. The Lewis definition IV. Characterizing acids in general B. The nature of acids 1. Sourness 2. Dissolving in water V. Types of Acids A. Strong acids 1. Fundamental characteristics. 2. Dangerous 3. Larger Ka values B. Weak acids 1. Fundamental characteristics 2. Smaller Ka values 3. Equilibrium watch VI. Characterizing Bases. A. Bases are the opposite of acids 1. The Arrhenius definition 2. Characteristics B. Strong and weak bases VII. Acidity A. Acid number has a lot of relation to everything else 1. Determining acid number 2. Acid numbers importance B. pH is the epitome of research 1. Aqueous solution 2. Self- ionization 3. Definitions
From the Paper "What do acids and alkaline truly have in common? The history of the understanding of an acid is relatively old. Dating back to the Roman Empire days, came the word that we derived acid from, acidus, meaning sour. Around the 1800s, French chemists erroneously believed that all acids contained oxygen, including the famed Antoine Lavoisier. Svante Arrhenius, a Swedish scientist in the mid 1800s and a Nobel laureate, did a few experimentations with acids, and came up with concocting a definitive, chemically sound definition of an acid. Later on, in the 20th century, the partners Bronsted and Lowry initiated theories about acids using and published the acid-based concept. The most pragmatic research of acids and bases came from the American chemist Gilbert Lewis. Ever since then, the idea of acids and base has been widely recognized, although the definitions of such terms have been rather controversial."
Abstract This paper discusses the definition and causes of acid rain, as well as its harmful effects on aquatic systems, forests, man-made structures and human health. It also discusses the global implications of acid rain as a migratory form of air pollution and how this presents problems in the regulatory arena, especially from an international standpoint--for example, when acid rain 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 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 paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of acid rain. Specifically, it defines acid rain 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 This paper discusses that concerns have been raised about a rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The paper explains that the issue has been examined using climate models, such as the one called EDGCM based on a 120 year long model run, starting in 1985 with an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The paper relates that a global climate model such as this allows for a study of climates in the past present and future.
From the Paper "Such computer-driven models are one of the primary tools now used in climate research. The EDGCM model also serves as a learning tool for students and provides data to the public in a more easily-accessed manner than is true of some other models ("EDGCM: The Project" paras. 1-3)."
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 acid rain 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 examines how trans-fatty acids (TFAs) are lipids that have been chemically manipulated to become more solid at room temperature. In particular, it looks at how they are broken down by the body and how they can be a cause of heart disease.
From the Paper "Dietary fatty acids are emulsified by bile acids in the small intestine and transformed into chylomicrons which enter the bloodstream via the lymphatic system. Fatty acids are also taken up by cells, where they may serve as fuels for energy production. Chylomicrons can have two outcomes depending upon the body's need for energy, either being stored or oxidized. The oxidation of fatty acids produces acetyl-ScoA, which is the platform for cholesterol synthesis. Excess cholesterol can be stored or deposited on the walls of arteries, narrowing them. The stored fatty acids, as triacylglycerol (triglyceride) in white adipose tissue, also results in the formation of acetyl-ScoA, but through a different pathway."
Abstract This paper explains that numerous factors account for variations of global patterns of carbon accumulation. The author points out that some of these factors are climate, precipitation, cultivation, degree of irrigation,and altitude. The paper relates that also very significant, especially for tropical and temperate forests, are the measurement standards applied.
From the Paper "Numerous factors account for variations of global patterns of carbon accumulation. Among those factors are climate, soil texture, soil cultivation, amount of nitrogen in soils, and the interaction of altitude and precipitation. Also very significant especially for tropical and temperate forests are the standards applied; not only do these studies use differing measurements depending on the ecosystem, but variations in measurements must often be used within a single ecosystem because of forest floor diversity (Schlesinger, 1977). One factor is geomorphological and/or hydrological instability in swamp and marsh, especially when edged by tree growth."
Abstract This paper describes a chemistry experiment exploring the carbonate/bicarbonate buffer system. The paper explains how the testing of the buffer was conducted and discusses the reaction of the individual ingredients, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, to the addition of acid or base. The paper also explores the reaction of the combined solution to acid and base.
Abstract This paper explores how acid rain 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 acid rain in the future. It demonstrates that current attempts to reduce emissions from power plants will not have a significant effect on acid rain reduction; and will support the idea that there is not a single solution to the problem of acid rain, 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 acid rain.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
How Acid Rain is Formed
Effect of Acid Rain 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 Acid Rain 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 acid rain caused by the burning of fossil fuels. The effects of acid rain 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 acid rain 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 presents a detailed examination of acid rain and its impact on the environment. The writer explores what acid rain 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 acid rain to the environment.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What Is It?
Effects of Acid rain
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 explores the concepts of carbon and ecological neutrality, the ecological footprint and the carbon footprint. The paper first explains how these concepts are measured. The paper then discusses solutions to reduce the levels of carbon emissions while decreasing mankind's overall ecological footprint.
Outline:
Carbon Neutral and the Footprint of Humanity
The Carbon and Ecological Footprint
Solutions to Reduce the Damage to the Environment
From the Paper "The concept of being carbon neutral means to not damage the environment through Co2 emissions, which may be accomplished in two ways. One is to do absolutely no polluting; however in modern society this is not particularly possible, with the other being to match destruction with reduction, thus balancing things out. This concept however is founded upon the concepts of the footprints made by humanity. The human race is a population of consumers in every sense. All opportunities to utilize something towards progress or profit are capitalized upon. The earth as well as the population is harvested for its value, taking it and placing it upon the open market in the endless pursuit of capital generation. In tandem with this mass consumption is also heavy waste, as not all resources are infinite, and particular ways of life are not geared towards conservation."
