A harmful impact of acid rain - Research Paper Example

Acid Rain “Acid rain is a worldwide environmental issue that has seriously destroyed forest ecosystems” (Liu et al). When rain waterconsists of excessive acid content, we call it as acid rain. The development of industries, power plants and the increased use of automobiles have polluted the atmosphere immensely and as a result of that the normal structure of the atmosphere has been changed a lot. Nitrogen compounds and Sulfur oxides are some of the major gases which are coming out from industrial units, vehicles and power plants. These gases have the ability to combine with hydrogen present in atmospheric moisture and the result would be acids like Nitric acid, Sulfuric acid, Hydro chloric acid etc. These acids spread in the atmosphere and referred as acid rain. These acids have immense destructive power upon human and plant life. It can also cause damages to soil and buildings. This paper argues that the industrial waste and the emissions from vehicles should be restricted in order to avoid acid rain and to save soil, buildings, human life and plant life. Our atmosphere consists of water particles (H2O) from rain, snow, dew, fog etc. The gases such as SO2, CO2, NO2 etc liberated from industrial units, vehicles, etc will react with atmospheric water and the result would be the formation of different types of acids. Some of the acid forming reactions are given below. H2O + CO2 H2CO3 (Carbonic acid) H2O + SO2 H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid) 2H2O +4NO2+O2 4HNO3 (Nitric acid) From the above equations, it is clear that carbonic acid is formed due to the reaction of carbon dioxide with atmospheric water whereas sulfuric acid is formed due to the reaction of sulfur dioxide with atmospheric water. On the other hand, atmospheric water and oxygen helps nitrogen dioxide to become nitric acid. Even though acids help us in many ways in the making of different products, acid rains are not helpful at all since it affect living things, nature and our properties in different manner. Acid deposition on atmosphere and soil are harmful to all the living things and crops irrespective of whether it is a wet disposition or dry disposition. Nature has created this world with certain laws and rules. Anything which forces nature to change its structure or chemistry may adversely affect the normal functioning of nature and subsequently all the objects and living things in the nature may face troubles. As we all know, acidity is harmful to human health. It can affect our bodily functions in different manner. Acid rains can pollute fresh water or drinking water sources like, rivers, streams, ponds, wells etc immensely. When we consume water from these polluted water sources, acid enters our body and cause lot of health problems. Same way acid rain increases the acidity of soil which is not good for crops. As mentioned earlier, industrial wastes and the emissions from automobiles increase the concentration of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons etc in the atmosphere. These elements or compounds have the ability to react with water molecules under favorable conditions like heat, light, water etc. Ling et al (2010) investigated impacts of simulated acid rain (SAR) upon four types of soil enzymes, namely the catalase, acid phosphatase, urease, and amylase, in a latosol and concluded that acid rain had adverse environmental impacts on soil enzyme activities in the latosol Latosol is an acidic red soil and forms in the tropical rainforest biome. In general, the catalase, acid phosphatase, and urease activities increased with the SAR pH levels. However, the maximum amylase activity was found at pH 4.0 and decreased as the SAR pH increased from 4.0 to 5.0 or decreased from 4.0 to 2.5. (Ling et al). pH determines the fertility of the soil. In normal cases, the pH value of the soil is 7. When pH value lowers; it means the soil is getting acidic whereas when the pH value increase from the normal value; it means the soil is getting basic. Both higher pH value and lower pH value are equally dangerous for the crops. Yields from the crops could be considerably decreased if acidity of the soil increases beyond certain limits. Changes in the acidity level of soil may prevent fertilizers and chemicals from assisting the crops in its growth. “There is some evidence that elevated acid deposition (particularly nitrogen) reduced tree water uptake potential, oleoresin production, and caused the trees to become more susceptible to insect colonization during the drought period” (McNulty & Boggs). The above fact clearly shows that acid rain may cause destructive effects up on plants and trees both directly and indirectly. With winter wheat variety Yamgmai 12 as test object, a field experiment was conducted to study the stress of simulated acid rain on its growth and development. The results showed that simulated acid rain had considerable effect on wheat growth and yield. When the pH of acid rain was < or = 3.5, the growth of leaf area as well as the mass of fresh leaf per unit area declined greatly, and the yield was significantly lower than CK. When pH was < or = 2.5, the plant height was obviously lowered, and the visible injury on leaf surface was observed. Under acid rain stress, the contents of leaf chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid, especially chlorophyll a, decreased obviously (Mai et al) The findings of Mai et al clearly indicate that the growth and developmental pattern of crops will be adversely affected by acid rain. Since leaf is responsible for making food for the plants, bigger and heavier leaf area is essential for producing sufficient food as far as a plant is concerned. Mai et al found that the leaf area may become decreased as a result of acid rain and subsequently the plant may not get sufficient food. Insufficient food may negatively affect the growth of the plants. The studies of Kovacik et al also confirmed the negative effect of acid rain upon the growth pattern of plants. Selected physiological responses of Tillandsia albida (Bromeliaceae) and two lichens (Hypogymnia physodes and Xanthoria parietina) exposed to simulated acid rain (AR) over 3 months were studied. Pigments were depressed in all species being affected the most in Tillandsia. Amounts of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide were elevated and soluble proteins decreased only in AR-exposed Hypogymnia. Free amino acids were slightly affected among species and only glutamate sharply decreased in AR-exposed Xanthoria (Kovacik et al) Another major disadvantage of acid rain is its ability to destroy metallic structures like, rails buildings etc. All the acids have the ability to react with metals easily. In chemistry, metals are arranged in the first and second group of the periodic table. In other words, metals have only one or two electrons in its valence shell. It should be remembered that when the number of electrons in the outermost or valance shell decreases, the ability of the element to participate in chemical reactions increases. Thus metals are highly reactive to acids like chemical compounds. Acids can easily displace the one or two electrons from the valence shell of metals and help metals to attain stability. At the same time these chemical reactions will result in the destructions of the original metal. Rails and many of the current building structures are constructed using metals and alloys like iron, aluminium, steel etc. All these metals and elements have huge reactivity with acids. In short, acid rain can adversely affect any metallic constructions or buildings. The effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) on corrosion behaviours of Q235 steel in acidic soil were studied using potentiodynamic polarisation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the SAR heavily increased the corrosion rate of the steel in the acidic soil (Wu et al) Marine life is another area which can be affected by acid rains. All the life forms in water cannot sustain tis life if acidity of water increases beyond certain limits. In fact some of the fish species were destroyed as a result of acid rain and subsequent increase of acidity in water sources Some people argue that acid rains have more benefits than demerits. It is a fact that acid rain helps us in some ways. However, when we compare the disadvantages and advantages of acid rain, it is evident that the disadvantages are more than the advantages of acid rain. Moreover, nobody can justify injudicious industrialization and increase in number of vehicles based on the advantage of acid rain alone. To conclude, acid rain is caused by manmade activities alone or it is a manmade disaster rather than a natural disaster. It can negatively affect human life, life of plants, marine life, soil, buildings etc. Heavy industrialization, increase in emission level or the increased use of automobiles etc are the major reasons for acid rain. If not taken drastic measures to control industrial wastes or the emissions from vehicles, it is difficult for life forms to exist in this world because of the threats from acid rains. Works Cited 1. Kovacik J; Klejdus B; Backor M; Stork F& Hedbavny J “Physiological Responses of root-less Epiphytic Plants to Acid Rain”. Ecotoxicology (London, England) [Ecotoxicology] 2011 Mar; Vol. 20 (2), pp. 348-57. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Dec 14. MEDLINE 2. Liu T; Jiang X; Shi W; Chen J; Pei Z & Zheng H. “Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins in ?-aminobutyric Acid Enhanced Arabidopsis Thaliana Tolerance to Simulated Acid Rain”. 2011. Proteomics [Proteomics] 2011 May; Vol. 11 (10), pp. 2079-94. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Apr 18.DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201000307. MEDLINE 3. Ling, Da-Jiong Huang, Qian-Chun & Ouyang, Ying. “Impacts of Simulated Acid Rain on Soil Enzyme Activities in a Latosol”. 2010. Ecotoxicology & Environmental Safety; Nov2010, Vol. 73 Issue 8, p1914-1918. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2010.07.024 4. McNulty SG; Boggs JL. “A Conceptual Framework: Redefining Forest Soil's Critical Acid Loads Under a Changing Climate”. 2010. Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex: 1987) [Environ Pollut] 2010 Jun; Vol. 158 (6), pp. 2053-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2009 Dec 31. MEDLINE 5. Mai BR; Zheng YF; Liang J; Liu X; Li L & Zhong YC. “Effects of Simulated Acid Rain on Leaf Photosynthate, Growth, and Yield of Wheat. 2008.The Journal Of Applied Ecology Oct; Vol. 19 (10), pp. 2227-33. MEDLINE 6. Wu, Y. H.; Liu, T. M.; Sun, C.; Xu, J. &Yu, C. K. “Effects of Simulated Acid Rain on Corrosion Behaviour of Q235 Steel in Acidic Soil DOI: 10.1179/147842209X12559428167643. Academic Search Premier Articles Impacts of simulated acid rain on soil enzyme activities in a latosol. Authors: Ling, Da-Jiong1 zjxyling@163.com Huang, Qian-Chun1 Ouyang, Ying2 ouyangy@ufl.edu Source: Ecotoxicology & Environmental Safety; Nov2010, Vol. 73 Issue 8, p1914-1918, 5p Document Type: Article Abstract: Acid rain pollution is a serious environmental problem in the world. This study investigated impacts of simulated acid rain (SAR) upon four types of soil enzymes, namely the catalase, acid phosphatase, urease, and amylase, in a latosol. Latosol is an acidic red soil and forms in the tropical rainforest biome. Laboratory experiments were performed by spraying the soil columns with the SAR at pH levels of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5., 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, and 7.0 (control) over a 20-day period. Mixed results were obtained in enzyme activities for different kinds of enzymes under the influences of the SAR. The catalase activities increased rapidly from day 0 to 5, then decreased slightly from day 5 to 15, and finally decreased sharply to the end of the experiments, whereas the acid phosphatase activities decreased rapidly from day 0 to 5, then increased slightly from day 5 to 15, and finally decreased dramatically to the end of the experiments. A decrease in urease activities was observed at all of the SAR pH levels for the entire experimental period, while an increase from day 0 to 5 and then a decrease from day 5 to 20 in amylase activities were observed at all of the SAR pH levels. In general, the catalase, acid phosphatase, and urease activities increased with the SAR pH levels. However, the maximum amylase activity was found at pH 4.0 and decreased as the SAR pH increased from 4.0 to 5.0 or decreased from 4.0 to 2.5. It is apparent that acid rain had adverse environmental impacts on soil enzyme activities in the latosol. Our study further revealed that impacts of the SAR upon soil enzyme activities were in the following order: amylase>catalase>acid phosphatase>urease. These findings provide useful information on better understanding and managing soil biological processes in the nature under the influence of acid rains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] Author Affiliations: 1Department of Resources and Environment, Agriculture College of Guangdong Ocean University, Zhangjiang City, Guangdong, China 2Department of Water Resources, St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, FL, USA ISSN: 01476513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2010.07.024 Physiological responses of root-less epiphytic plants to acid rain. Authors: Kovacik J; Klejdus B; Backor M; Stork F; Hedbavny J Author Address: Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, P J Safarik University, Kosice, Slovak Republic. jozkovacik@yahoo.com Source: Ecotoxicology (London, England) [Ecotoxicology] 2011 Mar; Vol. 20 (2), pp. 348-57. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Dec 14. Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Language: English Journal Information: Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 9885956 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1573-3017 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 09639292 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Ecotoxicology Subsets: MEDLINE Abstract: Selected physiological responses of Tillandsia albida (Bromeliaceae) and two lichens (Hypogymnia physodes and Xanthoria parietina) exposed to simulated acid rain (AR) over 3 months were studied. Pigments were depressed in all species being affected the most in Tillandsia. Amounts of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide were elevated and soluble proteins decreased only in AR-exposed Hypogymnia. Free amino acids were slightly affected among species and only glutamate sharply decreased in AR-exposed Xanthoria. Slight increase in soluble phenols but decrease in flavonoids in almost all species suggests that the latter are not essential for tolerance to AR. Almost all phenolic acids in Tillandsia leaves decreased in response to AR and activities of selected enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, ascorbate- and guaiacol-peroxidase) were enhanced by AR. In lichens, considerable increase in metabolites (physodalic acid, atranorin and parietin) in response to AR was found but amount of ergosterol was unchanged. Macronutrients (K, Ca, Mg) decreased more pronouncedly in comparison with micronutrients in all species. Xanthoria showed higher tolerance in comparison with Hypogymnia, suggesting that could be useful for long-term biomonitoring. Entry Dates: Date Created: 20110211 Date Completed: 20110418 Update Code: 20110418 PMID: 21161375 Database: MEDLINE Effects of simulated acid rain on corrosion behaviour of Q235 steel in acidic soil. Authors: Wu, Y. H.1,2 yuanhuil@126.com Liu, T. M.1 Sun, C.2 Xu, J.2 Yu, C. K.2 Source: Corrosion Engineering, Science & Technology; Apr2010, Vol. 45 Issue 2, p136-141, 6p, 2 Diagrams, 5 Charts, 4 Graphs Document Type: Article Abstract: The effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) on corrosion behaviours of Q235 steel in acidic soil were studied using potentiodynamic polarisation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the SAR heavily increased the corrosion rate of the steel in the acidic soil. The corrosion rate of the steel increased with decreasing SAR pH values. The corrosive characteristics of the soil obviously increased because of leaching of the acid rain. The corrosion products of Q235 steel surface were mainly composed of Fe2O3, Fe3O4 and some soil components such as SiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Author Affiliations: 1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China 2State Key Laboratory for Corrosion and Protection, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China ISSN: 1478422X DOI: 10.1179/147842209X12559428167643 Accession Number: 49317581 Database: Academic Search Premier Effects of simulated acid rain on leaf photosynthate, growth, and yield of wheat Authors: Mai BR; Zheng YF; Liang J; Liu X; Li L; Zhong YC Author Address: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China. mbr4@163.com Source: Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = The Journal Of Applied Ecology / Zhongguo Sheng Tai Xue Xue Hui, Zhongguo Ke Xue Yuan Shenyang Ying Yong Sheng Tai Yan Jiu Suo Zhu Ban [Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao] 2008 Oct; Vol. 19 (10), pp. 2227-33. Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Journal Information: Country of Publication: China NLM ID: 9425159 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 1001-9332 (Print) Linking ISSN: 10019332 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao Subsets: MEDLINE Abstract: With winter wheat variety Yamgmai 12 as test object, a field experiment was conducted to study the stress of simulated acid rain on its growth and development. The results showed that simulated acid rain had considerable effect on wheat growth and yield. When the pH of acid rain was < or = 3.5, the growth of leaf area as well as the mass of fresh leaf per unit area declined greatly, and the yield was significantly lower than CK. When pH was < or = 2.5, the plant height was obviously lowered, and the visible injury on leaf surface was observed. Under acid rain stress, the contents of leaf chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid, especially chlorophyll a, decreased obviously. Acid rain also suppressed the synthesis of soluble sugar and reduced sugar, and the suppression was stronger at pH < or = 3.5, and became much stronger with increasing acidity. The total free amino acid and soluble protein contents in leaves decreased with increasing acidity, and were significantly lower than CK when the pH was < or = 3.5 and < or = 4.5, respectively. Substance Nomenclature: 0 (Acid Rain) Entry Dates: Date Created: 20090106 Date Completed: 20091029 Update Code: 20101124 PMID: 19123360 Database: MEDLINE A conceptual framework: redefining forest soil's critical acid loads under a changing climate. Authors: McNulty SG; Boggs JL Author Address: USDA Forest Service, Eastern Forests Environmental Assessment Threats Center, Southern Global Change Program, 920 Main Campus Dr. Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. steve_mcnulty@ncsu.edu Source: Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex: 1987) [Environ Pollut] 2010 Jun; Vol. 158 (6), pp. 2053-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2009 Dec 31. Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. Journal Information: Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 8804476 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1873-6424 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 02697491 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Environ. Pollut. Subsets: MEDLINE Abstract: Federal agencies of several nations have or are currently developing guidelines for critical forest soil acid loads. These guidelines are used to establish regulations designed to maintain atmospheric acid inputs below levels shown to damage forests and streams. Traditionally, when the critical soil acid load exceeds the amount of acid that the ecosystem can absorb, it is believed to potentially impair forest health. The excess over the critical soil acid load is termed the exceedance, and the larger the exceedance, the greater the risk of ecosystem damage. This definition of critical soil acid load applies to exposure of the soil to a single, long-term pollutant (i.e., acidic deposition). However, ecosystems can be simultaneously under multiple ecosystem stresses and a single critical soil acid load level may not accurately reflect ecosystem health risk when subjected to multiple, episodic environmental stress. For example, the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina receive some of the highest rates of acidic deposition in the eastern United States, but these levels are considered to be below the critical acid load (CAL) that would cause forest damage. However, the area experienced a moderate three-year drought from 1999 to 2002, and in 2001 red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) trees in the area began to die in large numbers. The initial survey indicated that the affected trees were killed by the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm.). This insect is not normally successful at colonizing these tree species because the trees produce large amounts of oleoresin that exclude the boring beetles. Subsequent investigations revealed that long-term acid deposition may have altered red spruce forest structure and function. There is some evidence that elevated acid deposition (particularly nitrogen) reduced tree water uptake potential, oleoresin production, and caused the trees to become more susceptible to insect colonization during the drought period. While the ecosystem was not in exceedance of the CAL, long-term nitrogen deposition pre-disposed the forest to other ecological stress. In combination, insects, drought, and nitrogen ultimately combined to cause the observed forest mortality. If any one of these factors were not present, the trees would likely not have died. This paper presents a conceptual framework of the ecosystem consequences of these interactions as well as limited plot level data to support this concept. Future assessments of the use of CAL studies need to account for multiple stress impacts to better understand ecosystem response. (Published by Elsevier Ltd.) Substance Nomenclature: 0 (Acid Rain) 0 (Soil) 0 (Soil Pollutants) 7732-18-5 (Water) Entry Dates: Date Created: 20100510 Date Completed: 20100813 Update Code: 20101124 PMID: 20045233 Database: MEDLINE Comparative proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins in ?-aminobutyric acid enhanced Arabidopsis thaliana tolerance to simulated acid rain. Authors: Liu T; Jiang X; Shi W; Chen J; Pei Z; Zheng H Author Address: Key Laboratory for Coast and Wetland Ecosystem of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China. Source: Proteomics [Proteomics] 2011 May; Vol. 11 (10), pp. 2079-94. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Apr 18. Publication Type: Journal Article Language: English Journal Information: Country of Publication: Germany NLM ID: 101092707 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1615-9861 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 16159853 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Proteomics Subsets: In Process; MEDLINE Abstract: Acid rain is a worldwide environmental issue that has seriously destroyed forest ecosystems. As a highly effective and broad-spectrum plant resistance-inducing agent, ?-aminobutyric acid could elevate the tolerance of Arabidopsis when subjected to simulated acid rain. Using comparative proteomic strategies, we analyzed 203 significantly varied proteins of which 175 proteins were identified responding to ?-aminobutyric acid in the absence and presence of simulated acid rain. They could be divided into ten groups according to their biological functions. Among them, the majority was cell rescue, development and defense-related proteins, followed by transcription, protein synthesis, folding, modification and destination-associated proteins. Our conclusion is ?-aminobutyric acid can lead to a large-scale primary metabolism change and simultaneously activate antioxidant system and salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid signaling pathways. In addition, ?-aminobutyric acid can reinforce physical barriers to defend simulated acid rain stress. (Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.) Entry Dates: Date Created: 20110512 Update Code: 20110512 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201000307 PMID: 21500342 Database: MEDLINE Read More