Acid rain refers to any form of precipitation (rain, snow, fog, or dust) that contains high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids. It occurs when sulfur dioxide (
$SO_2$) and nitrogen oxides (
$NO_x$) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents.
Impacts:
Aquatic Life: Lowers the pH of water bodies, making them toxic to fish.
Vegetation: Damages leaves and robs soil of essential nutrients.
Infrastructure: Corrodes stone, metal, and paint (e.g., the yellowing of the Taj Mahal due to nearby refinery emissions).
Regulatory Context: Controlled under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, which empowers Boards to set emission standards for industries.
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