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C. Acid Rain (i) Explain two effects of acid rain - Junior Cycle Geography - Question C - 2015
Question C
C. Acid Rain (i) Explain two effects of acid rain. (ii) Describe two ways of reducing acid rain.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:C. Acid Rain (i) Explain two effects of acid rain - Junior Cycle Geography - Question C - 2015
Step 1
Explain two effects of acid rain.
Answer
Acid rain can have detrimental effects on the environment, particularly on ecosystems and structures.
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Harm to Aquatic Life: Acid rain leads to lower pH levels in water bodies, adversely affecting fish and other aquatic organisms. For instance, a pH below 5 can be harmful to fish eggs and larvae, causing population declines and damaging biodiversity.
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Soil Degradation: Acid rain can leach essential nutrients from the soil, such as calcium and magnesium, which are vital for plant growth. This nutrient depletion can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to disease and reducing agricultural yields.
Step 2
Describe two ways of reducing acid rain.
Answer
Reducing acid rain is crucial for environmental health and can be achieved through several strategies:
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Use of Clean Energy Sources: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power can significantly reduce the emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) which contribute to acid rain.
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Implementing Emission Controls: Installing scrubbers in coal-fired power plants and promoting catalytic converters in vehicles can effectively reduce the emission of pollutants that cause acid rain, improving air quality and protecting ecosystems.