How do human activities affect acid rain?

Answer 1

The main cause is Sulfur in the atmosphere. Sulfur is an impurity in oil and coal. Modern methods of burning and refining have greatly reduced the amount of sulfur being put into the atmosphere, in countries where such actions are encouraged.

When the sulfur gets into the atmosphere, it creates low concentration sulfuric acid. As an experiment, try cutting up an onion. That also will put sulfur into the air, and low concentration sulfuric acid will develop right on your eyes. It's enough to make you cry.

Answer 2

Burning coal and burning gasoline produce certain combustion byproducts, particularly nitric oxide and sulphur dioxide, which when dissolved in water (such as rain) become strong acids, nitric acid and sulfuric acid.

Answer 3

Burning fuels containing sulfur (e.g. coal) and in internal combustion engines where temperatures and pressures are high enough to convert nitrogen gas from the air to nitrogen oxides. When the sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides react with water vapor in the earth's atmosphere in the presence of sunlight, the produce sulphuric acid and nitric acid respectively. Eventually these acids mix with rain in a weather system.

Answer 4

Pollution into the air and water.