Rain is described in numerous ways. Some say it’s a menace to a sunny day, the ultimate inconvenience when running late. Others may simply state the dictionary description of this scientific occurrence: moisture condensed from the atmosphere that falls visibly in separate drops. However, rain holds a lot more value than just being a free watering service for one’s outdoor plants, or the reason for having to change clothes to stay dry throughout the day.

Rain is essential for the survival of humans, plants, and animals alike. People of numerous cultures recognize the significance of rain, appreciating it as a provider of nourishment for important crops. Many people have adopted phrases like “singing in the rain” and “feel the rain on your skin” to share the happiness and joy rain brings them.’

But, rain is not always a cause for celebration. Unfortunately, acid rain is a form of rainfall that is detrimental to the preservation of pH-sensitive organisms and has the potential to wreak havoc on ecosystems.

What is Acid Rain?

Acid rain is rain that has a lower pH than normal rain (5.0–5.5). It occurs when pollutants, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, mix with water vapor and oxygen to create nitric and sulfuric acids. These acids then lower the pH of water that falls to Earth’s surface. Although acid rain in reality isn’t like acid rain in movies where people’s skin burns off, it does create significant problems for the environment and various species.

The Environmental Impact of Acid Rain

Acid rain impacts various organisms in different ways. While some organisms can stand a diverse range of pHs and can survive periods of acid rain, others are more sensitive. Reoccurring instances of acid rain in a particular region can threaten an entire species.

Clownfish, coral, and salmon are just a few examples of aquatic species that would be affected by water acidification, specifically ocean acidification, as they thrive in water with a pH range of 7–8.

Other land organisms are also affected by acid rain. Trees, which are found almost everywhere, are also vulnerable to acid rain. Acid rain depletes soil of aluminum and other nutrients that trees need in order to grow. This weakens trees and other plants, making them less likely to withstand drastic environmental changes.

This demonstrates how all ecosystems are connected. Trees need nutrients from their roots in order to follow through with other processes like photosynthesis, growth, and maturation from a seedling to an adult tree. Similarly, an entire ecosystem can be devastated if even one important species begins struggling to survive after a bout of acid rain.

Acid Rain in the 1970s

In the USA, acid rain reached its peak during the 1970s and 1980s. During this time, the lowest recording of pH was 2.1 — about 1,000 times more acidic than normal, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Because of these occurrences, people became more aware of the implications of water runoff and more dedicated to protecting our environment through legislative action.

But, we cannot forget that a critical ingredient in acid rain is sulfur dioxide, a molecule emitted in large quantities into the atmosphere from factories. The frequent onslaught of acid rain during these two decades in the 20th century showed the world that action must be taken to reduce emissions for the wellbeing of our planet and the species that depend on it.

Efforts to Reduce Acid Rain

Efforts to prevent acid rain in the United States started in 1995 with the Acid Rain Program. This program created limits for the amount of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide that can be emitted from fossil fuel powered plants. As a result, there has been a significant decrease in the amount of acid rainfall across the United States. But, rarely there are still some instances of this devastating phenomenon occurring throughout the country.

You can make a difference and take action on this critical issue by transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing your consumption of fossil fuels. Some examples of this are buying a hybrid or electric vehicle, installing solar panels on your roof, and turning off the air conditioning while on vacation. Every action counts and we all must work together to make positive change.

Recap

Acid rain is a threat to our environment. It negatively impacts the health of both aquatic and terrestrial species, causing trophic cascades and long-lasting damage to ecosystems. Caused mostly by manmade pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, it is important to reduce our emissions to prevent acid rain from occurring more frequently in the future. Do your part to keep our Earth and the species that rely on it safe!

References

1. National Geographic
2. EPA- What is Acid Rain
3. Fondriest
4. Smithsonian Magazine
5. EPA- Effects of Acid Rain
6. EPA- Acid Rain Program
7. EPA- Acid Rain Program Results