Expert: Dave Russell - 5/9/2001

Question
Will you please briefly give some ways you think the industries could lessen the effects of acid rain.

Do you think acid rain is a big issue, and why?

Answer
The combustion of fuels causes acid rain.  When sulfur in fuels burns it turns into Sulfur dioxide and ultimately into sulfur trioxide.  That's weak sulfuric acid. Nitrogen does the same.
Acid rain can be lessened by reducing the amount of the gasses which cause it.  Use of scrubbers, low sulfur fuels, and low Nox burners and other catalytic controls will all help reduce the amount of acid rain, but wont' stop it.

It is a big issue because it can cause the degredation of crops, change the pH of lakes, and kill forests, and increase erosion.  Those are pretty big issues.  

Dave Russell