Acid Rain - Impact and Cause

Within the last decade acid rain has become an environmental concern of global importance. Acid Rain is rain with pH values less that 5.6. The acid consists of sulfur and nitrogen compounds that are produced naturally by the decay of organic matter in swamps, wetlands, intertidal areas, and shallow waters of the oceans. The amount that is contributed to the atmosphere from these sources is not known for sure but is quite large. Estimates of naturally produced sulfates and other sulfur compounds are from 35 to 85 percent of the total produced with naturally occurring nitrogen compounds beli…