Consider the following:
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen oxide
- Ozone
- Sulphur dioxide
Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation
Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes 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. This can include rain, snow, fog, hail or even dust that is acidic.
Sources of compounds causing acid rain:
Sulfur
- Natural Resources: – Seas and oceans, Volcanic eruptions, Biological processes in the soil e.g., Decomposition of Organic matter
- Man-made sources: – Burning of coal (60%), Petroleum products (30 % of S02) and smelting of metal sulfides ores to obtain the pure metals, Industrial production of sulphuric acid in metallurgical, chemical, and fertilizers industries.
Nitrogen
- Natural Resources: – Lightning, Volcanic eruptions
- Anthropogenic sources: – Forest fires, Combustion of Oil, Coal, And Gas
