What are the main acids associated with acid rain?
- Sulfuric Acid — H₂SO₄
- Nitric Acid — HNO₃
These acids are significant contributors to the phenomenon of acid rain.
Name the causes of acid rain.
- Burning fossil fuels
- Forest fires
- Volcanoes
- Microbial decay
- Ore roasting
These activities release pollutants that contribute to acid rain formation.
List the effects of acid rain.
- Forest damage
- Toxic aluminum released into water
- Soil buffering capacity decreases
- Ecosystem stress
- Corrosion of metals
- Damage to monuments/paint
Acid rain has widespread negative impacts on the environment and infrastructure.
True or false: Pollution crosses borders and can cause acid rain in neighboring countries.
TRUE
This was notably observed in the 1980s–90s when U.S. emissions harmed Canada.
What agreement was reached to address acid rain issues between the U.S. and Canada?
Acid Rain Accord
This accord was facilitated by President George H. W. Bush to mitigate the effects of acid rain.
What modifications did coal plants make to reduce SO₂ emissions?
Added scrubbers
Scrubbers are technologies used to remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases.
What is the Superfund program?
1980 program to identify and clean major hazardous-waste sites
The Superfund program addresses sites contaminated with hazardous substances.
When was the EPA established?
Dec 3, 1970
The Environmental Protection Agency was proposed by Richard Nixon.
What are the focus areas of the EPA?
- Environmental research
- Provides info to public/Congress
- Enforces environmental laws & standards
The EPA plays a crucial role in protecting the environment and public health.
