Stuff You Should Know SYSK Selects: Whatever happened to acid rain?
Nov 21, 2020
Discover the intriguing history of acid rain, a major environmental threat from the 1980s. Unpack its surprising health impacts and the ongoing challenges it poses today. Reminisce about cultural perceptions of this phenomenon and how they shifted over the decades. Enjoy discussions on legislative triumphs, like the Clean Air Act, and the successes in restoring damaged ecosystems. Get insights into the science behind acid rain and its subtle, yet significant effects on forests and water bodies. It's an engaging mix of nostalgia and education!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Acid Rain Formation
- Acid rain, a transboundary environmental problem, primarily affects the Northern Hemisphere due to higher industrial activity.
- It's formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with atmospheric water vapor, creating sulfuric and nitric acids.
Defining Acid Rain
- Acid rain is strictly defined using the pH scale, with normal rain at 5.6 and acid rain between 4.3 and 5.
- While similar to coffee or orange juice, its cumulative effects are far more damaging to ecosystems.
Ecological Impact
- Acid rain severely impacts ecosystems, starting with the smallest organisms like plankton.
- This disruption creates a domino effect, ultimately affecting larger animals and the whole food chain.