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🌱 Environment & EcologyUPSC 2013Sustainable Development

Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by

acarbon dioxide and nitrogen
bcarbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
cozone and carbon dioxide
dnitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide
✓ Correct answer: d) nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide
ExplanationNormal rain has a pH of about 5.6 when pH falls below this; it is called Acid rain (pH 4.2 to 4.4).Acid rain results when Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) & Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) react with water, oxygen & other chemicals to form Sulfuric & Nitric acids.NOx + SO2 + Moisture + other chemicals → Acid Rain (HNO3 + H2SO4) Acid rain harms microorganisms in the soil; inhibits the activity of nitrogen fixation bacteria; soil acidification; ocean acidifica- tion; affects the growth of plants; food chain; kills aquatic ani- mals; corrosion of metals and weathering of stone buildings & statues.93

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