Acid Rain

1
Acid Rain
2
Diagram of Acid Rain
3
World Sulfur and Nitrogen Emissions from Fossil
Fuels, 1970-94
4
Average Annual Sulfur Dioxide Concentrations,
Selected Cities, 1985 and 1995
5
Reduction in SO2 Emission from Utilities in U.S.
6
Relative Contribution of Sources of SOx and NOx
7
Acid Rain Effects in U.S.
8
Acid Rain Effects in Europe
9
Effects of Acid Rain

• Acidification of lakes, streams, and soils
• direct and indirect effects (release of metals,
  e.g. Al wash away of nutrients)
• Kill of wildlife (trees, crops, aquatic plants,
  and animals)
• Decay of building materials and paints, statues,
  and sculptures (e.g. Mya Ruins in Yucatan)
• Health problems (respiratory, burning skin and
  eyes)

10
Correctives (1)

• Remove SOx and NOx from stacks (scrub with water
  and lime)
• Use low sulfur fuels
• Remove NOx from auto exhaust (catalytic
  converters)
• Use less energy (conservation)
• Replace fossil fuels with alternative energy
  forms (biomass, wind, solar, hydroelectric,
  nuclear)

11
Correctives (2)

• Restore environment (liming, replanting)
• Emissions monitoring
• SO2, NOx, CO2, vol. flow, and opacity
• Use continuous emission monitoring system
• Fines for excess pollutant release