Question

Acid rain (a) retards the growth of trees (b) effects big marble constructions (c) results in loss of flora and fauna (d) all of these

Short answer

The correct answer is (d) all of these.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Acid Rain

Acid rain is a form of precipitation that is significantly more acidic than normal due to the presence of elevated levels of hydrogen ions. It typically falls with a pH of about 5.0 and is caused by air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are released from the burning of fossil fuels.

Assessing Effects on Trees

Acid rain can damage trees by leaching away essential nutrients from the soil and foliage, weakening their structure, and making them more susceptible to damage from other environmental stresses. Therefore, acid rain indeed retards the growth of trees.

Evaluating Effects on Marble Constructions

Marble is susceptible to acid reactions. Acid rain can erode marble structures over time, as the acid reacts with calcium carbonate in marble, forming calcium sulfate, which is more soluble and can be washed away.

Analyzing Effects on Flora and Fauna

The increased acidity of water bodies from acid rain can be harmful to aquatic life. Similarly, soil acidification affects terrestrial flora and fauna, resulting in a loss of biodiversity.

Conclusion from the Analysis

Having assessed the various impacts of acid rain, we see that it affects tree growth, damages marble constructions, and causes loss to flora and fauna. Therefore, all these effects are interrelated and result from acid rain.

Key concepts

Effects on Trees

Acid rain has a profound impact on trees, hindering their growth and health. When acid rain falls on soils and leaves, it washes away essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. These nutrients are vital for trees to grow strong and resist disease. The loss of these nutrients weakens trees, making them more vulnerable to disease, pests, and harsh weather conditions.
In addition to leaching nutrients, acid rain directly damages the leaves of trees. It can burn the foliage, reduce its ability to photosynthesize, and result in a stunted growth. Seedlings and young trees are especially susceptible since their root systems are still developing and need a balanced soil pH to thrive.

• Leaches essential nutrients
• Burns and damages foliage
• Makes trees vulnerable to disease and weather
• Particularly harmful to seedlings and young trees

Overall, by altering the chemical balance of the soil and damaging tree structures, acid rain can severely retard the growth and health of forests.

Marble Constructions

Acid rain poses a significant threat to marble constructions. Marble is made primarily of calcium carbonate, a compound that readily reacts with acids. When acid rain falls on marble structures, a chemical reaction occurs between the acid and the calcium carbonate.
This reaction forms calcium sulfate, which is much more soluble than calcium carbonate. Over time, the water dissolves the calcium sulfate and washes it away, leading to erosion and weakening of the marble surface. This process can result in extensive damage to historical monuments and sculptures made from marble.
Visible effects on marble constructions may include:

• Loss of detail on carved surfaces
• Pitting and roughness on the stone
• Structural weakening over time
• Overall deterioration of aesthetic and structural qualities

Efforts to preserve marble works often involve reducing exposure to acid rain by applying protective chemicals or erecting physical barriers.

Flora and Fauna

The impact of acid rain on flora and fauna is profound, often leading to significant environmental imbalances. For aquatic environments, acid rain increases the acidity of water bodies such as rivers and lakes, making them inhospitable for many aquatic species. Fish and amphibians can suffer from reproductive issues, nutrient deficiencies, and stress, resulting in population declines.
For terrestrial ecosystems, acid rain alters the soil pH, negatively affecting plants and the animals that rely on them for food. Nutrient depletion and toxicity in soils lead to reduced plant growth and health, which in turn affects herbivores and predators down the food chain.
A few specific impacts on flora and fauna include:

• Death and decline of sensitive aquatic species
• Reduced plant growth and altered species composition
• Increased metal uptake in toxic concentrations
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem imbalance

Overall, the loss of flora and fauna due to acid rain contributes to the decline in biodiversity, affecting ecosystems' resilience and functionality.