Acids, Bases and Environment

📚 Key Concepts

🔹 Real-Life Example

Acid rain caused by sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from factories has damaged historic monuments like the Taj Mahal. When rain becomes acidic (pH < 5.6), it can corrode buildings, harm aquatic life, and damage forests. This shows how chemistry affects our environment.

🧪 Environmental Impact

🔸 Acid Rain

• Causes: SO₂ + NO₂ from industries and vehicles
• Formation: SO₂ + H₂O + ½O₂ → H₂SO₄
• Effects: Corrosion of buildings, soil acidification, aquatic life damage

🔸 Soil pH

• Acidic soil: Affects plant growth, needs lime treatment
• Basic soil: Reduces nutrient availability, needs organic matter
• Optimal range: pH 6.0-7.5 for most crops

🔸 Water Bodies

• River pH: Should be 6.5-8.5 for aquatic life
• Acid rain effect: Lowers water pH, harms fish and plants
• Treatment: Lime addition to neutralize acidity

🔍 Advanced: Global Warming Connection

CO₂ dissolves in seawater forming carbonic acid, making oceans more acidic and affecting marine life, especially coral reefs