Hapotenemäreaktio

Hapotenemäreaktio, often translated as acid precipitation or acid rain, refers to a phenomenon where sulfuric and nitric acids are released into the atmosphere and return to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, fog, or dry particles. These acids are primarily formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, emitted from the burning of fossil fuels in power plants, factories, and vehicles, react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere.

The effects of acid precipitation can be widespread and damaging. It can acidify lakes and streams, harming aquatic life such as fish and amphibians. Forests can be damaged as acid precipitation strips nutrients from the soil and damages leaves and needles. Buildings, statues, and other structures made of stone and metal can also be corroded by the acidic compounds. In humans, acid precipitation itself is not directly harmful to touch, but the pollutants that cause it, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, can aggravate respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis.

Efforts to mitigate acid precipitation have focused on reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. This includes the use of scrubbers in power plants to remove sulfur dioxide from emissions, the development of cleaner burning fuels, and the promotion of renewable energy sources. International cooperation has also been crucial, as acid precipitation can travel long distances across borders.