Understanding the Effects of Acid Rain on the Environment

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Did you know that acid rain has many effects on the environment and health? It is essential to understand that acid rain is a kind of rain containing low-pH water, making it acidic.

This acidic property is due to corrosive particles in the water, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Later, both gases will spread across the air and corrode other particles.

Therefore, you must understand the effects of acid rain on the environment and human health. To explore more about acid rain, read this article until the end!

Acid Rain in Indonesia

Over the year, the rain intensity in Indonesia is getting higher. Moreover, the acidity of the rain increases due to the deteriorating nature and air quality in Indonesia.

According to the Indonesian Climate and Air Quality Report by BMKG, the average rainwater pH in 2024 reached 5.15, which falls under the category of acid rain, as the pH was below 5.6.

This value has decreased compared to the average pH of rainwater in 2022 and 2023, which were 5.46 and 5.43, respectively.

Based on the analysis, there were 11 locations with normal to neutral pH levels and 35 others with average levels classified as acid rain.

From this data, Jambi, Deli Serdang, North Minahasa, South Tangerang, and Pekanbaru were locations with acidic rainwater pH.

Meanwhile, El Tari-Kupang, Palu, Lasiana-Kupang, South Lampung, and Bengkulu have the highest average pH.

The Effects of Acid Rains on the Environment

When acid rain happens, the environment becomes one of the most impacted aspects. Here are the effects of acid rain on the environment you must know:

1. Dangerous to Flora

One of the common environmental effects of acid rain is that it can harm flora. When acid rain occurs, several toxic substances, such as aluminum, cadmium, and mercury, are produced and fall on plants and soil.

Acid rain also removes nutrients and minerals from the soil. Furthermore, acidic water can erode the epidermis, causing a decrease in photosynthetic ability, which weakens plants and eventually kills them. Overall, these adverse conditions also make flora susceptible to pests.

2. Dangerous to Animals

The effect of acid rain on the environment also impacts the animals. However, these effects are most visible in aquatic ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, which serve as habitats for fish and other aquatic organisms.

As mentioned earlier, acid rain can release toxins into the soil, which may later end up in surrounding waters.

The problem is that most fish eggs cannot hatch in water with a pH of 5, while adult fish may die if the water’s pH drops even lower. Frogs begin to face critical conditions at a pH of 4, and dragonflies struggle to survive when the pH falls below 5.5.

3. Ecosystem Disruption

Previously, it was mentioned that acid rain can affect water. Yet, if it continues, the environmental impact of acid rain can even damage entire ecosystems.

Due to exposure to aluminum from acid rain, aquatic animals may suffer poisoning and die. Then, if many animals die, ecosystems will be disrupted because predators, such as birds and bears, will face a reduced food supply, leading to long-term starvation.

The Effects of Acid Rains on Our Health

In addition to its environmental impacts, acid rain can also lead to several health problems. In this case, acid rain may cause health issues when its pollutants are present in the air. Below are some health problems that can result from acid rain:

Heart disease.
Respiratory disorders such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and acute respiratory infections (ARI).
Eye irritation and vision problems.
Throat disorders.
Headaches.

The groups most vulnerable to these health effects are children, the elderly, people who work outdoors, and individuals with heart or lung conditions.

Causes of Acid Rains

Basically, acid rain is a natural phenomenon characterized by a pH level below normal. Furthermore, it is caused by the release of smoke containing various substances, such as SO₂ (sulfur oxide) and NO₂ (nitrogen oxide), which then react with water in the air.

When this happens, these gases react to form sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and nitrous acid, which fall to the surface along with the rain. So, what causes this to happen? Here are some common causes of acid rain:

Burning of fossil fuels by factories.
Emissions from motor vehicles.
The use of coal for electricity generation.
Volcanic eruptions.

To be more alert, you need to recognize some signs or indications of acid rain around you:

Low pH of rainwater (e.g., four or below).
Increased levels of sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
Impacts on aquatic organisms (e.g., death or stunted growth).
Damage to leaf tissue.
Weathering of materials containing carbonate, such as limestone, marble, and cement.
Faster corrosion of iron structures.
Indirect symptoms, such as eye or skin irritation when coming into contact with acid rain.

How to Prevent Acid Rains

After learning about the effects of acid rain on the environment and health, you might be wondering: Can this phenomenon be avoided?

As seen from its causes, acid rain is generally triggered by human activities. Therefore, you can help prevent acid rain by practicing the following eco-friendly habits:

Make it a habit to use public transportation when traveling.
Switch to renewable energy sources.
Use filtration systems to reduce SO₂ and NO₂ emissions.
Apply the 3Rs (reuse, reduce, recycle) when managing waste.
Increase green open spaces around you.
Save on daily electricity use.

Now that you understand the impacts of acid rain on the environment and human health, take steps to prevent it and mitigate its effects.

If you want to be more mindful about environmental issues like this while engaging in positive activities, join Indonesia Asri!

Here, you can take part in various exciting and impactful programs. For example, you can join #AksiAsri, which encourages the adoption of an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up now and become a Warga Asri who truly cares for the planet!