Rainwater with a pH below 5.6 is termed as acid rain, which can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, including harming aquatic life and damaging vegetation and infrastructure.
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Rainwater with a pH below 5.6 is commonly referred to as “acid rain.” Acid rain is precipitation, such as rain, snow, or fog, that has become acidic due to the presence of pollutants in the atmosphere, primarily sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants, often released from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and transportation, undergo chemical reactions in the atmosphere, leading to the formation of sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
In another way, we can say, A pH below 5.6 indicates that the rainwater is more acidic than neutral (pH 7) and may have adverse effects on the environment, including aquatic ecosystems, soils, and vegetation. The term “acid rain” reflects the environmental impact of this phenomenon on various ecosystems and their components.
Rainwater with a pH below 5.6 is termed “acid rain.” Acid rain is precipitation, such as rain, snow, or fog, that becomes acidic due to the presence of elevated levels of sulfur dioxide (SO₂, primarily from burning fossil fuels) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) in the atmosphere. These pollutants react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃), lowering the pH of the precipitation. Acid rain can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, water bodies, soil quality, and even human-built structures, making it a significant environmental concern.