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Acid Rain and its Effects On Our Aquatic Ecosystems

In the past century, one of the greatest threats to North America's aquatic ecosystem has been the widespread acidification of hundreds of thousands of waterways. Acid rain has effected plant and animal life within aquatic ecosystems, as well as microbiologic activity by affecting the rates of decomposition and the accumulation of organic matter.

What causes this poisonous rain, and what can be done to improve North America's water quality and prevent future catastrophes?
To answer these questions, we must first examine the cause and formation of acid rain, as well as understand ways to decrease or prevent its formation.
Formation of acid rain.
Acid deposition, more commonly known as acid rain, occurs when emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and oxidants to form acidic compounds. This mixture forms a mild solution of sulfuric and nitric acid which then......

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Approximate Word Count: 1726
Approximate Pages: 7 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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