Chapter 44, Problem 3CT

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The presence of calcium carbonate-rich limestone or marble mitigate the effects of acid rain.

Introduction:

Acid rain is the “precipitation” that contains acidic constituents such as nitric acid and sulfuric acids from the atmosphere in the form of rain, fog and drizzle. They are strong acids and readily soluble in water. Certain anthropogenic activities leads to the formation of nitrogen and sulfur oxides. Sulfur dioxide is emitted by the electric power industry, fossil fuel combustion, some industrial practices, transportation, with internal combustion engines. Consequences of acid rain includes “acidification” of lakes and streams and destruction of trees at high altitudes and reduction in the quality of soils.