Predict the possible effects of acid precipitation in our natural environment. Rainfall with a pH of less than 5.6 is referred to as acid rain.
Acid precipitation contains sulfuric and nitric acids.
The sources of these acids are both natural and man-made. Acid rain is produced naturally through geothermal emissions and biological processes, but our heavy use of fossil fuels is the most significant contributor by far. Emissions from automobiles and other vehicles and from utilities and industries are the chief sources of acid-forming sulfur and nitrogen oxides. These compounds react with water to form acids. These acids reach the ground in rain and snow, finding their way into surface and groundwater systems.