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What is acid deposition?
What is acid deposition?
Any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms.
What are the types of acid deposition?
What are the types of acid deposition?
What causes acid deposition?
What causes acid deposition?
A chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air.
How does acid deposition affect ecosystems?
How does acid deposition affect ecosystems?
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How does acid deposition affect humans?
How does acid deposition affect humans?
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How does acid deposition affect animals?
How does acid deposition affect animals?
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Study Notes
Acid Deposition Overview
- Acid deposition refers to precipitation containing acids, such as sulfuric or nitric acid, falling to the ground in various forms including wet or dry.
Types of Acid Deposition
- It includes various forms of precipitation like rain, snow, fog, hail, and can also manifest as acidic dust.
Causes of Acid Deposition
- The phenomenon is initiated by a chemical reaction involving the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
Effects on Ecosystems
- Acid deposition impacts soil and water quality, affecting various plant species and wildlife, leading to disruptions in whole ecosystems.
Human Impact
- The most pronounced ecological effects are observed in aquatic environments such as streams, lakes, and marshes, where acid rain threatens fish and other aquatic life.
- Acidic rainwater can leach aluminum from soil, which then contaminates water bodies.
Effects on Animals
- Some organisms can withstand acidic waters, but many, especially young individuals, are more vulnerable to pH changes.
- Critical thresholds for species include pH levels around 5 for fish egg hatching and tolerance diminishes further at lower pH levels.
- Certain lakes may become fishless due to excessive acidity.
- Predatory species, like frogs, have specific pH tolerances, and their food sources, such as mayflies, may not endure low pH environments, creating secondary ecological impacts.
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Description
Test your knowledge on acid deposition with these flashcards. Learn about its definition, types, and causes. Understand the chemical reactions that lead to this environmental issue.
