Which emissions are primarily responsible for acid rain?

Which emissions are primarily responsible for acid rain?

• A. CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels.
• B. Water vapor and methane.
• C. Particulate matter and ozone.
• D. SOx and NOx emissions from burning fossil fuels and high-temperature combustion.

Answer: (D)

Acid rain is caused mainly by sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides released when we burn fossil fuels and during high-temperature combustion. When fuels containing sulfur burn, sulfur dioxide escapes into the air and can be converted to sulfuric acid in the atmosphere. Nitrogen oxides, produced by engines and power plants at high temperatures, react with water and oxygen to form nitric acid. These acids then mix with precipitation, lowering its pH and affecting soils, lakes, and ecosystems as they can travel long distances from their sources. Other pollutants like CO2, water vapor, methane, particulate matter, and ozone contribute to other environmental issues, but they are not the primary drivers of acid rain.

Acid rain is caused mainly by sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides released when we burn fossil fuels and during high-temperature combustion. When fuels containing sulfur burn, sulfur dioxide escapes into the air and can be converted to sulfuric acid in the atmosphere. Nitrogen oxides, produced by engines and power plants at high temperatures, react with water and oxygen to form nitric acid. These acids then mix with precipitation, lowering its pH and affecting soils, lakes, and ecosystems as they can travel long distances from their sources. Other pollutants like CO2, water vapor, methane, particulate matter, and ozone contribute to other environmental issues, but they are not the primary drivers of acid rain.