Acid rain differs from normal rain as it contains acidic elements. Though it lacks a distinct smell or colour, it can change the environment for a while after it falls. Acid rain can impact the entire atmosphere, weakening plants, harming animal health, and degrading soil quality.

Both human activities and natural processes contribute to acid rain. According to scientific experts, polluted gases and particles in the air accumulate and return to the earth as rain. This rain can be harmful to soil, trees, and plants. Scientists consider rain to be acidic when its pH value falls below 5.6.

This is how acid rain occurs

Acid rain forms when nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are released into the atmosphere and dissolve. These compounds react with oxygen, water, and other elements to form nitric and sulfuric acids. While volcanoes and wildfires can contribute sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides to the atmosphere, the largest sources of these pollutants are human activities.

How to prevent

To prevent acid rain, there’s a need to reduce the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere. This involves cutting down on energy-generating activities, using electronic devices less frequently, and choosing public transportation instead of private vehicles to reduce the number of cars on the roads. Moreover, using less fuel overall can help protect the environment from acid rain.