Burning oil releases carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and is thought to be a major cause of global warming and climate change. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are gases that pollute the air and lead to the formation of smog and acid rain.
Acid rain damages the environment in several ways including:
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Corrodes limestone and metal and damages and kills trees.
Changes the pH of lakes, rivers and streams, killing fish and plant life that live in the water. Many rivers, lakes and streams in Scandinavia, Central Europe, the USA and Canada have been affected by acid rain.
Fig. 15 Smog hangs over Los Angeles, California. l
Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases are released into the air and combine with rain. Normal rainwater has a pH of 5.6. Acid rain has a pH of between 2 and 5.
Extended Investigation
Investigate the effect of acidic soil water on plant growth. Burning fossil fuels can lead to acid rain. Design an experiment to investigate how the acidity of soil affects plant growth.
Fig. 16 These trees have been killed by acid rain and other pollution.
