Acidic precipitation can be caused by natural (volcanoes) and man-made activities, such as from cars and in the generation of electricity. The burning of fossil fuels (coal and oil) by power-production companies and industries releases sulfur into the air that combines with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Acid rain results when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents. The SO2 and NOX react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground.

Acid rain is responsible for severe environmental destruction across the world and occurs most commonly in the North Eastern United States, Eastern Europe and increasingly in parts of China and India.

United States and Canada are the countries which are mostly affected by acid rain because of high number of factories, power plants and large number of automotive plants. Europe, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway and Finland are affected because of British and European factories.

Robert Angus Smith

Acid deposition is a problem in many parts of Canada since emissions that contribute to acid rain can travel thousands of kilometres from their source. More than half of Canadian geology consists of vulnerable hard rock (i.e., granite) areas that offer poor natural defenses from the damaging effects of acid deposition.

Acid rain is caused largely by sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emitted by industrial activities such as coal burning. The gases dissolve in rainwater to form acids. Much of this industry is based in the United States, but the weather exports pollution north of the border.

Acid rain has many ecological effects, especially on lakes, streams, wetlands, and other aquatic environments. Acid rain makes such waters more acidic, which results in more aluminum absorption from soil, which is carried into lakes and streams. Trees’ leaves and needles are also harmed by acids.

Canada’s response. Canada created a federal-provincial team to devise a common solution ― the 1985 Eastern Canada Acid Rain Program. It established: An eastern Canada cap of 2.3 million tonnes of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)in the seven easternmost provinces, to be met by 1994 and maintained until 2000.

The primary cause of low pH in precipitation over northeastern North America is sulphuric acid (H2SO4) from industrial and urban emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2). Nitric acid (HNO3) generated from emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) is a significant contributing factor in this region.

A great way to reduce acid rain is to produce energy without using fossil fuels. Instead, people can use renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. Renewable energy sources help reduce acid rain because they produce much less pollution.

Purchase energy-saving appliances; carpool, use public transportation, walk, or bike whenever possible; keep your thermostat low in the winter and high in the summer; insulate your house; and turn off lights, computers, and appliances when you’re not using them. “Effects of Acid Rain.” Environmental Protection Agency.

As it turns out, there are actually some interesting positive effects of acid rain. For example, it has been found that acid rain can help reduce the natural production of methane — a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. This has been especially noted in wetland areas.

Air pollution like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause respiratory diseases, or can make these diseases worse. Also, nitrogen oxides cause ground-level ozone. This ground-level ozone causes respiratory problems, like pneumonia and bronchitis, and can even cause permanent lung damage.

The ecological effects of acid rain are most clearly seen in aquatic environments, such as streams, lakes, and marshes where it can be harmful to fish and other wildlife. As it flows through the soil, acidic rain water can leach aluminum from soil clay particles and then flow into streams and lakes.

When sulfurous, sulfuric, and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone, the calcite dissolves. However, sheltered areas on limestone and marble buildings and monuments show blackened crusts that have peeled off in some places, revealing crumbling stone beneath.

When acidic rainwater falls on limestone or chalk, a chemical reaction happens. New, soluble, substances are formed in the reaction. These dissolve in the water, and then are washed away, weathering the rock. Some types of rock are not easily weathered by chemicals.

Calcite reacts to acids in even weak solutions and causes it to dissolve. Granite is much more resistant to acid etching because it contains little to no calcite, though the stone still has natural pits and fissures that can trap acids and degrade slowly over time.

Fact: Granite is a quartz-based stone that is acid-resistant. Lemon juice, tomato juice, and other acidic household items will not harm granite. Porous stone is not 100% stain-proof. That’s why it’s important to wipe up any spills quickly.

Acid test: This is an important test and can immediately identify whether the floor in question is marble, granite, or some other material. One drop of diluted solution of hydrochloric acid is applied to the floor. If the acid bubbles or fizzles, it’s marble; if there is no reaction, it is likely granite.

Limestone, marble and granite are just a few of the natural stones available. Muriatic acid is a heavy-duty chemical that will clean away dirt, soap scum and efflorescence from your natural stone and masonry items.