Question

Acid rain (a) causes loss of flora and fauna (b) retards the growth of trees (c) effects big marble constructions (id) a] the above

Short answer

The correct answer is (d) All the above.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the keywords in the problem

Look for the main terms in the question. Here, the key term is 'Acid rain'.

Understand the impact of acid rain

Recall that acid rain has several negative effects on the environment. It impacts flora, fauna, tree growth, and can damage buildings, especially those made of marble.

Analyze the options

Carefully read each option given: (a) Causes loss of flora and fauna, (b) Retards the growth of trees, (c) Effects big marble constructions, (d) All the above.

Match each effect with the options provided

Compare the listed effects of acid rain with the options. Option (a), (b), and (c) are all correct based on the general effects known.

Confirm the combined impact

Based on the analysis, since all options (a), (b), and (c) are correct, the right answer is (d) All the above.

Key concepts

environmental impact of acid rain

Acid rain is a serious environmental issue. It occurs when pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are released into the atmosphere. These substances can come from factories, cars, and power plants. Once in the atmosphere, they mix with water vapor and fall to the earth as acid rain.
Acid rain can have many negative impacts on the environment. It can lower the pH of soil and water bodies, making them more acidic. This can harm living organisms, contaminate water supplies, and disrupt ecosystems.
For example:

• Soils may lose essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium.
• Lakes and rivers can become too acidic for fish and other aquatic life to survive.

Furthermore, acid rain can damage forests, agricultural crops, and even human health by contaminating drinking water and reducing air quality. Understanding the full environmental impact of acid rain helps in taking measures to reduce emissions and protect our environment.

damage to flora and fauna

Flora and fauna are directly affected by acid rain. The term 'flora' refers to plant life, while 'fauna' refers to animal life. When acid rain falls, it can strip essential nutrients from the soil, leaving plants weak and unable to grow properly. This nutrient loss can lead to a reduction in plant health and diversity.
Acid rain can also make the water in lakes and rivers acidic. This poses a significant threat to aquatic life. Fish and other aquatic organisms may die or be unable to reproduce.
Some of the specific effects on flora and fauna include:

• Leaves of plants can become damaged, reducing their ability to photosynthesize.
• Forest ecosystems can be altered, affecting the animals that depend on them.
• Aquatic habitats can become uninhabitable for sensitive species.

Overall, the damage to flora and fauna from acid rain can be extensive and long-lasting. Protecting the environment from acid rain is crucial to preserving biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

effects on tree growth

Tree growth is particularly susceptible to the effects of acid rain. Trees need a stable environment with the right balance of nutrients to grow. Acid rain disrupts this balance by altering soil chemistry. This can lead to several problems for trees.
Firstly, acid rain leaches away essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium from the soil. Without these nutrients, trees cannot grow properly. Secondly, the increase in soil acidity can release toxic metals like aluminum, which can damage roots and hinder a tree's ability to absorb water and nutrients.
The long-term effects on tree growth include:

• Stunted growth due to nutrient deficiencies.
• Increased vulnerability to diseases and pests.
• Higher mortality rates for young and mature trees.

Acid rain can also damage leaves and bark, making trees less resistant to harsh weather conditions. Protecting trees from the harmful effects of acid rain helps maintain forest health and ecological balance.

damage to marble structures

Acid rain is known to cause significant damage to marble and other stone structures. Marble is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which reacts with the acidic components of acid rain.
When acid rain comes into contact with marble, a chemical reaction occurs that leads to the erosion of the stone. The calcium carbonate in the marble reacts with sulfuric acid and nitric acid in the rain to form calcium sulfate and calcium nitrate, both of which are more soluble in water. This process is called chemical weathering.
Some of the key effects on marble structures include:

• Surface discoloration and loss of shine due to chemical reactions.
• Gradual erosion and weakening of the stone.
• Damage to architectural details and inscriptions on historic monuments.

For example, iconic structures like the Acropolis in Greece and the Taj Mahal in India have suffered damage due to acid rain. Preserving these cultural and historic landmarks requires reducing air pollution and protecting structures from further acidic exposure.