Alternative Energy Sources Can Minimize the Harmful Effects of Acid Rain – Science Game

This science games helps children practice alternative energy sources. The sources of acid rain are well known, but what are its effects on our ecosystem and aquatic life? Alternative energy sources can reduce the harmful effects of acid rain. Read on to learn more about acid rain and its causes. Besides this, you will learn about its causes and how it impacts aquatic life. To minimize its effects, we must change our lifestyles. We must switch to cleaner and more eco-friendly methods of energy production.

Impacts of acid rain on ecosystems
The effects of acid rain have been widely documented. This iconic environmental problem is the result of pollution from coal-burning power plants, and the deposition of strong acids in precipitation has severely damaged ecosystems in eastern North America and western Europe. Despite this, many positive outcomes have resulted from good science and sound policy around acid rain.

Sources of acid rain
Acid rain is a natural phenomenon that occurs when high levels of sulfur and nitrogen are released into the air. These pollutants are released from the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, and they react with air molecules to form acidic particles. These particles are carried by wind and eventually become part of rain, sleet, or fog. In addition to affecting human health, acid rain can damage ecosystems. Luckily, it's possible to prevent acid rain, by changing your energy sources.

Effects of acid rain on aquatic life-forms
Acid rain is a product of burning fossil fuels, and its harmful effects are a major concern for the ecosystems of rivers, lakes, and streams. Acid rain affects aquatic life, especially fish, because it lowers the pH level of lakes and streams. Since all living things in the ecosystem are interdependent, harm to one link can affect others. Acid rain affects lakes and streams most severely, especially those with high concentrations of people and heavy industry.

Alternative energy sources
As long as people continue to burn fossil fuels, acid rain problems will exist. While countries such as China rely on coal to produce electricity, this method of fuel combustion releases different chemicals into the air. These chemicals can mix with water droplets and end up causing acid rain. China is currently implementing new regulations to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, but that won't stop acid rain. In India, sulfur dioxide emissions have increased by half over the past decade.

Damage caused by acid rain
The acidic nature of rain causes damage to many types of plants and ecosystems. Trees and plants exposed to acid rain suffer growth retardation and eventually die. While the acidity of acid rain can be difficult to detect, it looks and feels like clean rain, despite the fact that the pollutants contained in it are harmful to humans. Nitric oxide and sulfur dioxide, which are two of the most common pollutants found in acid rain, can also harm human health. These gases are aerosols that can travel long distances and penetrate the lungs. They can also enter indoors through ventilation systems.