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The environmental effects of acid rain are most clearly seen in surface water environments such as streams, lakes, and marshes. Acid rain falls directly on these aquatic habitats, and acidic runoff flows into them after falling on rural and urban areas. The impact can be disastrous. In the United States, many aquatic species are showing the deadly effects of prolonged exposure to acidic conditions, sometimes to such an extent that the overall populations of whole species are reduced and species that are more sensitive to low pH levels become extinct. All of these effects contribute to a reduction in the biodiversity of the affected systems. Some acid lakes no longer have fish in them.

Aquatic systems are not the only ones affected. Forest systems in Europe, North America, and Asia also show damage from acid rain, negatively affecting seedling production, tree density, and overall viability of the forests. The problem is particularly serious in high-altitude forests, where the trees are exposed to the acidic precipitation for longer periods. The most direct damage is to seedlings and to the tissues of adult trees. However, the higher acidity can leach nutrients from the soil and mobilize metals, such as aluminum, that are toxic to the plants. Furthermore, weakened trees can become vulnerable to insects and diseases.

In addition to damage done to the natural environment, acid rain also causes damage to non-natural objects. In many cities, acid precipitation is destroying numerous historic and contemporary buildings and works of art. Structures of limestone and marble--including the Parthenon, the Taj Mahal, the Washington Monument, and numerous medieval cathedrals throughout Europe--are most vulnerable because of their high reactivity with acids. Additionally, acid precipitation can corrode the steel in reinforced concrete, damaging buildings, bridges, and roads. The Council on Environmental Quality estimates that the economic losses in the United States amount to about $4.8 billion in direct costs every year.

Because acid precipitation is a result of air pollution, the most effective strategy is to reduce emissions of the pollutants to the atmosphere. New technology has allowed factories to decrease amounts of SO2 in smokestack emissions. However, emissions of NO3 have increased over the same time period, suggesting the need for more stringent air pollution regulation.

Bibliography:

1) Environment Canada. 2002. "Acid Rain." Retrieved December 3, 2007.

2) Hubbard Brook Research Foundation. "Acid Rain." Retrieved December 3, 2007.

3) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2007. "Acid Rain." Retrieved December 3, 2007.

4) U.S. Geological Survey. "Acid Deposition." Retrieved December 3, 2007.

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