Haze contributes to acid rain because it contains pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which transform into acids in the atmosphere.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
-
Haze Composition: Haze often contains high concentrations of pollutants, primarily nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These are typically released from industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels.
-
Atmospheric Reactions: Once in the atmosphere, NOx and SO2 undergo chemical reactions.
-
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): React with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the air to form nitric acid (HNO3).
-
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Reacts with water and oxygen to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
-
-
Acid Rain Formation: These newly formed acids (nitric acid and sulfuric acid) become incorporated into precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or fog. This precipitation is then considered acid rain because it has a lower pH than normal rainwater.
-
Deposition: Acid rain falls to the Earth's surface, where it can damage ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health.
In Summary: Haze introduces pollutants into the atmosphere which then transform into acids that fall to the earth as acid rain.
