rikkidioksit

Rikkidioksidi, also known as sulfur dioxide, is a chemical compound with the formula SO2. It is a colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor. Rikkidioksidi is a significant air pollutant and plays a role in various industrial processes.

Industrially, rikkidioksidi is primarily produced as a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, particularly coal and oil, which contain sulfur impurities. It is also released during volcanic eruptions and other natural geological processes. In manufacturing, it is used in the production of sulfuric acid, a vital industrial chemical. Other applications include its use as a preservative in food and beverages, a bleaching agent, and a disinfectant.

The presence of rikkidioksidi in the atmosphere contributes to acid rain. When SO2 dissolves in atmospheric water, it forms sulfurous acid, which can then be oxidized to sulfuric acid. Acid rain can damage ecosystems, harm vegetation, and corrode buildings and other structures. Exposure to high concentrations of rikkidioksidi can cause respiratory problems in humans, exacerbating conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Regulatory bodies worldwide set limits on rikkidioksidi emissions to mitigate its adverse environmental and health impacts.