Describe the main pollutants contributing to acid rain.

The main pollutants contributing to acid rain are sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the primary pollutants that contribute to the formation of acid rain. These pollutants are released into the atmosphere primarily through human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels in power plants, industrial processes, and motor vehicles. When these gases are released into the atmosphere, they react with water, oxygen, and other substances to form sulphuric and nitric acids. These acids then mix with water vapour in the atmosphere to form acid rain.

Sulphur dioxide is primarily produced from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal and oil that contain sulphur. Power plants that burn coal are the largest source of SO2 emissions. Other sources include industrial processes such as extracting metal from ore, and natural sources like volcanoes. Once released into the atmosphere, SO2 can be converted into sulphuric acid, contributing to the acidity of rain.

Nitrogen oxides, on the other hand, are produced from high-temperature combustion processes. This includes the burning of coal, oil, gas, and petrol in power plants, industrial processes, and motor vehicles. Nitrogen oxides can react with water and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form nitric acid, another component of acid rain.

Acid rain can have harmful effects on the environment. It can damage forests and soils by leaching away vital nutrients and minerals, and it can acidify lakes and streams, harming aquatic life. It can also damage buildings, monuments, and statues, especially those made of limestone and marble, which can react with the acids in the rain.

In summary, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, primarily released from the burning of fossil fuels and other industrial processes, are the main pollutants that contribute to acid rain. These pollutants react with water, oxygen, and other substances in the atmosphere to form acids, which then mix with water vapour to form acid rain.