ACID RAIN

Acid rain is rain that is polluted. The term acid rain refers to what scientist call
acid deposition. There are many forms of acid rain that can be seen around the
world. Acid rain occurs when harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide
and nitrogen oxide react with rain. When these gases enter the atmosphere, they
mix with rain water to form acid like carbonic acid, sulphuric acid and nitric acid.
They then form acid rain. Acid rain is very harmful to the environment. It can harm
both natural ecosystem and human being.

Acid rain occurs as a result of pollution. Acid rain is thus common in large
towns like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Baharu. This is attributed to rapid
industrialization and urbanization in these areas. However, acid rain is not limited to
these areas as it may be carried by wind to other areas. There are many factors that
cause acid rain. Human causes are primarily responsible for the acid rain. Suphur
dioxide and nitrogen oxides are the chemicals which released by industrial
processor. Most of sulphur dioxide comes from power plants. Besides, automobiles
also produce nitrogen dioxide. As the number of automobiles increases, the amount
of acid rain also increases. Though human causes are responsible for acid rain,
natural causes exist as well. Volcanic eruption, bacterial decomposition, fires and
lightening also increases the amount of nitrogen dioxide. Therefore, it shows here
that acid rain do not cause by human only but also caused by natural phenomena.

Acid rain has many adverse effects on people and on the natural ecosystem .
Acid rain flowing into lakes and rivers cannot sustain aquatic life. It will also lead to a
reduction in crop yields. There will also be irreparable damage to forests and wildlife.
Being corrosive, it can cause extensive damage to buildings. Many buildings will
start to rust and car can lose their finishes . An example of building that can be
damage by acid rain is the Taj Mahal of India. Acid rain can also affect human
beings. Besides skin problems such as rashes and itchiness, hair loss and
respiratory problems also have been linked to acid rain. Heart and lung problems
can also be worsened by it. Therefore, acid rain gives harmful effects on human
being and also natural ecosystem.

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 There are many ways that power plant companies can reduce acid rain
creation. They can use coal with low sulphur content, they can remove the sulphur
from smoke their plants release, and they can limit processes known to generate
high levels of acid rain. Besides, individuals can also help by conserving energy or
driving their cars less.

If we want our earth to be free from acid rain, the burning of fossil fuels such
as the automobile industry, paper and chemical industries should reduce emissions
of harmful gases .

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