1/2 H2O). Calcium sulfate also has twice the molar volume of calcium carbonate. (Lambert, 1997) This expansion had resulted in added stress resulting in cracks. The relevant chemical reaction is:
CaCO3 + H2SO4
CaSO4 + H2CO3
Many such instances can be cited as the effects of acid rain. Acidity in rain results in greater incidences of rust. This is because the acidity results in the formation of ferrous ions, which in the presence of water results in Ferric Hydroxide, which is rust.
Fe(s) + 2O2(g) + 8 H+ (aq)
Fe2+ (aq) + 4H2O (l)
Fe2+ + (aq) + O2(g) + 4H2O (l)
Fe2O3(s) + 8H+ + (aq)
Despite some research, there is no direct evidence on the health of human beings through acid rain. Most of the studies indicate however, that these effects are probably come from inhaling particulates over which the acidity inducting compounds have been deposited, resulting in lung disease and certain kinds of cancer.
There are other aesthetic effects on the atmosphere. Because of the particulates, and emissions that contribute to acid rain, visibility is significantly reduced; though this does not produce immediate dangers, they prevent our enjoying of nature. But if this reduces the sunlight that reaches plant life, it will prevent plants from growing and affects it status as primary food producers. Reduced sunlight will also create an imbalance of the oxygen in the atmosphere.
Efforts to curb the effects of Acid Rain: The watchdog agency, the Environmental Protect Agency, through Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1990, with a significant portion devoted to Acid Rain. (CleanAir, 1990) the Act sought to, through innovative measures that combined incentives and punitive action, reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions from
It has been mentioned previously in this essay that coal burning, power plants are the biggest producers of sulfurous and nitrogenous gases. One way to prevent excess emissions is to curb our electricity usage. Insulate homes whenever possible. The EPA has several guidelines to reduce the use of electricity. That is to not waste electricity when not in use, to use reasonable curbs of heating and cooling in homes, depending on the weather. Use public transportation to reduce emissions. Buy energy efficient motor vehicles.
The Clean Air Act also created a system of allowances to use SO2 gas. Each allowance was allowed 1 metric ton of SO2 gas. These allowances acted like currency which might be exchanged or banked, though they have to be used within a certain time period. This is much like the carbon credits that can be purchased or exchanged to reduce carbon emissions and global warming. Each factory unit has to comply with EPA-defined standards. The unit is charged with measuring the emissions of sulfurous, nitrogen and carbon wastes in order for certifications and to prevent sanctions, which involve penalties of $2,000 per ton of emissions above the preset limit.
Bibliography
AcidRain. Acid Raid. 2008. Environmental Protection Agency. Available:
http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/.April28 2008.
CFC. Cfc Destruction Abstracts. 2008. Environmental Protection Agency. Available:
http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/aptb/abstracts/cfc.htm. April29 2008.
CleanAir. Response of Surface Water Chemistry to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. 1990. Environmetal Protection Agency. Available:
http://www.epa.gov/ord/htm/CAAA-2002-report-2col-rev-4.pdf.April29 2008.
Heidorn, Keith. Dust in the Wind. 2002. Weather Almanac. Available:
http://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/almanac/arc2002/alm02jun.htm. April25 2008.
Lambert, Joseph B. Traces of the Past: Unraveling the Secrets of Archaeology through Chemistry. Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley, 1997.
Lower, Stephen. Chem1 Virtual Textbook. 2008. Available:
http://www.chem1.com/acad/pdf/envacid.pdf.April28 2008.
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