Acid Deposition Basics
What are the two types of acid deposition?
Wet and dry deposition
What compound in fossil fuels produces sulfur dioxide when burned?
Sulfur
Acidified water releases what toxic metal harmful to fish? (hint we saw this in the Dr. Binocs Video)
Aluminum.
What pollutant irritates the eyes?
smog
What device removes SO₂ from industrial emissions?
dry and wet scrubbers
Which form travels farther from the source—wet or dry?
Wet deposition
What high‑temperature process in vehicle engines forms nitrogen monoxide?
Nitrogen reacts with oxygen during combustion.
Which group is more sensitive to acid deposition—adult fish or young fish/eggs?
Younger fish and eggs.
Name one respiratory issue caused by photochemical smog.
Breathing problems or respiratory irritation eye irritation
What technology removes particulate matter from smokestacks?
Electrostatic precipitators.
Name one pollutant that leads to acid deposition
Sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides.
What does nitrogen monoxide react with in the atmosphere to form nitric acid?
Oxygen and water.
How can acid deposition indirectly affect entire aquatic food chains?
By reducing fish populations and altering ecosystem balance.
What general weather conditions promote photochemical smog formation?
Sunny and warm conditions.
What device installed in cars reduces nitrogen oxides?
Catalytic converters.
What atmospheric components must sulfur dioxide react with to form sulfuric acid?
Water and oxygen.
Name the two acids produced through the reactions of SO₂ and NO.
Sulfuric acid and nitric acid
What happens to fish populations in severely acidified lakes?
Populations decline due to reproductive and physiological stress.
What two pollutants react with sunlight to create photochemical smog?
VOCs and NO
What is a strategy to reduce VOC pollution in homes?
Safe storage and disposal of household products
Why can countries far from pollution sources still experience acid rain?
Acid pollutants travel long distances through the atmosphere (especially wet deposition).
Outline the full process of sulfur-based acid deposition formation.
Combust fossil fuels → release SO₂ → SO₂ reacts with water + oxygen → forms sulfuric acid
How does aluminum from acid deposition affect fish gills?
It damages gills and inhibits oxygen absorption
Why is photochemical smog worse in cities with high vehicle use?
Vehicles emit NOₓ and VOCs, the precursors of smog.
What is fuel desulfurization?
Removing sulfur from fuel before combustion.