Lecture 5 Acid Rain
Page 1: Bell Ringer Problem
Todd released 4 whatsits of noobjuice into a local waterway.
Calculate flabies of noobjuice released based on the following conversions:
50 whatsits = 0.02 booboos
50 booboos = 7.4 x 10^3 sickas
0.15 loobins = 1 sicka
10 loobins = 8.4 kilaflabbies
1000 flabies = 1 kilaflabie (kila = 1000)
Page 2: Bell Ringer Answer
Repeat the problem and conversions from Page 1, leading to calculation results.
Page 3: Acid Rain GRAPES
Topic likely introduces elements related to acid rain such as:
G: Geography
R: Relationships
A: Activities
P: Processes
E: Effects
S: Solutions
Page 4: Introduction to pH
pH measures acidity.
Hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-):
More H+ equals lower pH.
Logarithmic scale explanation:
pH 7 to pH 6 is 10x more H+.
pH 7 to pH 5 is 100x more H+.
Page 5: Acid Rain Formation
Acid rain/deposition result from:
Nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) reacting with atmospheric water.
Formation of Nitric Acid (HNO3) and Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4).
Acid rain categorized as a secondary pollutant.
Page 6: Types of Deposition
Wet deposition includes precipitation as rain, sleet, and snow.
Dry deposition involves falling acidic particulates or gases.
Use the term "acid deposition" for clarity.
Page 7: Natural Sources of Acidity
Contributions from:
Volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs release carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide.
Lightning can produce nitrogen oxides.
Natural emissions less significant than anthropogenic sources.
Page 8: Anthropogenic Sources of Acid Rain
Main sources:
Combustion of fossil fuels.
Coal-burning powerplants create nitric oxides and sulfur dioxide.
Motor vehicle exhaust contributes to nitric oxides.
Sulfur is typically removed during petroleum refining.
Page 9: Fossil Fuels
Origin from fossilized remains of ancient organisms.
Essential biological elements include Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur (CHNOPS).
Burning fossil fuels releases these elements as gases.
Coal identified as the dirtiest fossil fuel due to solid state.
Page 10: Impacts of Acid Rain
Severity of impacts depends on:
Proximity to powerplants
Wind direction
Regional bedrock and soil composition.
Page 11: Impacts on Rocks/Sediments
A. Lower soil fertility:
Acid deposition leaches nutrients from soil.
B. Mobilization of metals:
Accumulation of aluminum and mercury to toxic levels.
Page 12: Wind Transformation
Wind transforms precursors to acids:
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NO) yield H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) and HNO3 (nitric acid).
Windborne ammonia and soil particles partially neutralize the acids.
Wet and dry acid deposition details provided.
Page 13: Global Pollutant Distribution
Pollutants carried by wind globally.
SO2 from factory emissions contributes to acid rain.
Acid rain impacts include:
Deterioration of forests and buildings.
Water pollution leading to acidic lakes and rivers.
Negative effects on soil leading to decreased pH leading to nutritional deficiencies in plants.
Page 14: Impacts on Forests
A. Mineral intake reduction from soil leaching:
Increased aluminum reduces calcium uptake and water absorption in plants.
B. Physical damage to leaves inhibits photosynthesis;
Trees in mountainous areas more at risk due to exposure to acidic clouds.
Page 15: Impacts on Aquatic Systems
Changes in pH may kill organisms sensitive to acidity.
Acid events more impactful during heavy rain or snowmelt.
Lake ecosystems, vulnerable due to closed system, face more threats.
Page 16: Guided Notes on Reactions
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) reacting with environmental components.
Contributions to pH changes in lakes through mineral reactions.
Page 17: Impacts on Man-Made Structures
Acid rain contributes to the deterioration of buildings, statues, monuments, and vehicles.
Page 18: Solutions to Acid Rain
Use alternative energy sources (renewables, nuclear) reduces fossil fuel dependence.
Cleaning fossil fuel exhaust to target acid-emitting compounds.
Page 19: Solution - Sulfur Scrubbers
Type of scrubber involves burning coal near calcium carbonate (limestone).
Heated limestone absorbs sulfur dioxide creating calcium sulfate, used in sheetrock.
Page 20: Solution - Catalytic Converters
Vehicles equipped with devices to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
Required absence of lead in gasoline increases effectiveness.
Page 21: Guided Notes on Catalytic Converters
Key components in conversion reactions illustrated.
Page 22: Remediation and Restoration
Liming process, adding calcium carbonate to mitigate acid effects.
Soils high in limestone resist acid rain damage.
Page 23: Cultural Reference and Liming
Popular saying on lime usage in water systems related to liming.
Page 24: Conclusion on Acid Rain Trends
Discussion surrounding the status and prevalence of acid rain.
Page 25: End of Document
Conclusion and wrap-up for the session on acid rain.