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What is the chemical composition of normal acid rain, and what kinds of harm might acid rain bring to humans? Thanks?

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  • 9 months ago

    Rainwater with a pH value lower than 5.6 (the pH value of unpolluted rainwater) is known as acid rain.  The major components of acid rain are sulfuric acid solution (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid solution (HNO₃).

    Sulfur dioxide is the primary cause of acid rain.  Sulphur dioxide causes acid rain because it produces dilute sulphuric(VI) acid with rainwater.

    2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) + H₂O(ℓ) → H₂SO₄(aq)

    The actual pathway is more complex.

    Sulfuric(VI) acid is also formed when sulfur dioxide dissolves in rainwater.

    SO₂(g) + H₂O(ℓ) → H₂SO₃(aq)

    Nitrogen dioxide also cause the formation of acid rain.  Nitrogen dioxide causes acid rain because it produces dilute nitric(V) acid with rainwater and atmospheric oxygen.

    4NO₂(g) + 2H₂O(ℓ) + O₂(g) → 4HNO₃(aq)

    The actual pathway is more complex.

    Harmful effects of acid rain on environment include :

    • In water of pH less than 4.5, calcium metabolism in fresh water fish will be badly affected, leading to poor health and stunted growth.  As a result, diversity and population of some fresh water species will be reduced.

    • In soil of pH less than 4.5, absorption of cations by plants will be badly affected, resulting in death of plants.

    • Acid rain corrodes metals and accelerates the deterioration of building, rock and statue.

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