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And we have acid rain. The precursor substances of acid rain are mainly sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). It is human action that is mainly responsible for these emissions. And it is due to the use of fossil fuels, industry operation, transportation, use of fertilizers, combustion of industrial, urban and agricultural waste.

These polluting substances are oxidized in the atmosphere leading to the formation of sulfur trioxide (SO3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The interaction of these species with atmospheric water vapor results in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3). These acids fall to the surface diluted in water droplets through the so-called acid rain. They can also occur in the form of snow or fog.

Acid rain and transboundary pollution

It must be taken into account that acid rain can occur hundreds or even thousands of kilometers from the sources of pollutants. This is due to atmospheric transport.

This phenomenon of transport of pollutants is determined by the direction and speed of the wind. And, to a lesser extent, by other topographic and meteorological aspects. These can be altitude, latitude or thermal inversion.

The transport and transformation mechanisms of the components of acid rain pose the problem of transboundary pollution.

Yes Sue. ACID RAIN AND ITS ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES.-- https://cenariosclimaticos.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/singh__agrawal_2008_acid-rain-and-its-ecological-consequences.pdf .-------

AN OVERVIEW OF THE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ACID RAIN ON PLANTS: RELATIONSHIPS AMONG ACID RAIN, SOIL, MICROORGANISMS, AND PLANTS.-

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723010045 (2023).--

Consider the contamination of land and water by acid rain, which includes any form of precipitation that features high concentrations of sulfuric and nitric acid. The biggest culprit for this phenomenon is the burning of fossil fuels from coal-fired power plants, factories, and car tailpipes. Winds spread these acidic solutions into the atmosphere for hundreds of kilometers. When acid rain reaches Earth, it flows across the surface mixed with wastewater and enters aquifers and crop soils. The oceans are becoming more acidic and scientists believe the change is happening faster than at any other time in geological history.

It's bad news for most ocean-dwelling creatures, many of which are sensitive to subtle changes in the acidity of their aquatic habitat. Acid rain raises the level of acid in aquifers, allowing the absorption of aluminum, which in turn is transferred from croplands to lakes and rivers. Acid rain also contaminates jungles and forests, especially those located at higher altitudes. This harmful precipitation steals essential nutrients from the soil and releases aluminum, making it difficult for trees to absorb water. Acids also damage conifer needles and tree leaves.

Plants suffer abrasion of their green parts, mainly the leaves; With these organs damaged, the plant is weakened, its development is delayed, it is easily attacked by different types of parasites and is more sensitive to periods of drought, all situations that it would have resisted under normal conditions. This can cause the death of large masses of vegetation, such as forests, and the significant deterioration of agricultural production.

https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/acid-rain

.----- https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/2020-01/bb-8.pdf

.--- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/acid-rain

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