 precipitation (rain, sleet, snow) that contains a high concentration of acids

 reaction of NO x and SO 2 with precipitation SO2 + H2O = sulfuric acid NOx + H2O = nitric acid

 fossil fuels are burned and release SO 2 + NO X 2 common acids ….  SO 2 + H 2 O = sulfuric acid  NO X + H 2 O = nitric acid

 from 0 to 14  measures the acidity of alkalinity of a substance  pH less than 7 = acid  pH higher than 7 = alkaline or basic  pH of 7 = neutral substance (pure water) NORMAL PRECIPTATION = 5.6 slightly acidic because CO2 dissolves into water and forms carbonic acid – pH of 5.6 ACID PRECIPITATION = below 5.6

 an increase in the concentration of acids

 a sudden change in the pH  usually due to the influx of acids after a snow melt

 changes in soil’s chemistry  loss of some nutrients  toxic metals are released and absorbed by plants  sulfur dioxide clogs openings on surfaces of plants  loss of foliage  death of plants

 death of fish and aquatic animals  aluminum leaches out of the soil, accumulates in the gills, interferes with oxygen and salt exchange, causing fish to suffocate  fish produce fewer eggs (interferes with reproduction)

 toxic metals can leach from soil and end up in crops, fish and water  respiratory problems  affects commerce… commercial fishing sport fishing forestry

 dissolve and corrode concrete, marble and limestone Acropolis in Greece Taj Mahal in India Ancient Temples Pyramids in Egypt Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC