Earth Gauge » Acid Rain

Acidic Groundwater

administrator — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:02:08 +0000

Groundwater, used by many Americans for household use and drinking water, is replenished mostly by rainwater and snowmelt. But what if rainwater is acidic? Most acidic rainwater is neutralized or “buffered” by rocks and soil as it soaks into the ground, but the process is not always completely successful. Rocks with high amounts of calcium, such as limestone, are effective in reducing the acidity of water as it infiltrates, but other rock types are not. If acid precipitation is not buffered, metals such as copper, lead, iron and magnesium found in some plumbing pipes and fixtures may dissolve into groundwater supplies. Acidic groundwater can can corrode the pipes and plumbing features of a home water system, in addition to introducing dissolved metals into the human body.

Viewer Tip: If you rely on a well for your water supply, testing the pH of water (which determines its acidity) can be performed easily at home with a water testing kit. Experts recommend testing the acidity of water when you drill a new well, move to a new home or if your well has never been tested. If you find that your water acidic (low pH), there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the problem. A trained water treatment professional can help you can address the problem.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: American Groundwater Trust. “Acid Rain and Water Quality”. American Well Owner. 2002. Available at: www.agwt.org)

Acid Rain

administrator — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:46:26 +0000

“Acid rain” forms when nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides mix with moisture in the air and fall to the ground with rain, snow, mist, or fog. Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides are released into the air by cars, trucks, lawnmowers, factories, power plants, and other sources, and can be carried considerable distances by prevailing winds. As a matter of fact, because prevailing winds in the U.S. are from west to east, acid rain tends to be a larger problem in the eastern states, where it can damage trees at high elevations, change the acidity of lakes and streams, and damage building materials and paints.

Viewer Tip: Energy production is one source of acid rain ingredients, and individuals can help address the problem by taking energy-efficient steps at home. The average home has about two TVs, three telephones, a VCR, and a DVD player, and small electronics account for up to 25 percent of home energy use. If you’re in the market for new electronics, look for energy-efficient versions (such as those with the Energy Star label) which use up to 60 percent less energy to power clocks, remote controls, and other features that stay on, even when the electronic is turned “off.”

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: U.S. EPA, Acid Rain Program, http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/index.html; The Environmental Literacy Council. “Acid Rain.” http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/2.html; Energy Star Program: Home Electronics. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductCategory&pcw_code=HEF)

The Great Escape

administrator — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:12:01 +0000

Shorter days and cold nights mean that we are spending more time inside and using more energy for heat and other household needs. The burning of fossil fuels (coal, for example) to provide energy to homes and businesses creates air pollutants that can contribute to acid rain and snow, damage plant life, and trigger health problems in some individuals.

Viewer Tip: Maximize the heating potential of your home (and save energy) by making sure warm air doesn’t escape! If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed when you don’t have a fire going. Also, open curtains and shades during the day to allow warming sunlight into your home – close them at night to help keep cold air out.

Season: Winter

(Sources: The Alliance to Save Energy, www.ase.org; US Department of Energy, “Energy Savers.” www.doe.gov)

Pesky Particles

administrator — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 20:45:37 +0000

Particle air pollution, which results from motor vehicle exhaust, power plants, wood burning, and other sources, can aggravate some health problems, including heart or lung disease. Unlike ozone pollution, which mainly occurs in the summer, particle pollution can occur at any time of the year, and levels of particle pollution can vary throughout the day. Not only can particles affect your health, but they can also contribute to acid rain – a common problem in the Northeast.

Viewer Tip: Even on days when particle pollution levels are low, you can make a difference! Help to keep the air clean by not burning leaves, trash, or other materials, which emit particles into the air, and avoid burning unnecessary fuel by idling your vehicle for long periods of time.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: Environmental Protection Agency. 2003. “Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution.”)

Don’t Idle-Around

administrator — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:05:55 +0000

Did you know that the North Cascades are located in the path of southwesterly winds that blow across many industrial and urban areas in eastern Washington? Two common air pollutants are nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides emitted from automobiles, power plants, and other sources. These are the main ingredients in acid rain and snow, and polluted precipitation can change the pH of lakes and streams, affect fish spawning, and damage some plants in sensitive ecosystems, including the North Cascades.

Viewer Tip: You can take steps to reduce your emissions and your impact! If possible, consider carpooling to work or using public transportation. When driving, remember that idling your car takes more gasoline and produces more pollution in half-a-minute than turning the engine off and restarting your car. If you need to sit idle for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: National Parks Service, North Cascades Air Quality, www.nps.gov; Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, www.pscleanair.org)

Acid Rain

administrator — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:01:42 +0000

Acid rain results when sulfur and nitrogen, elements released by cars, trucks, lawnmowers, factories, power plants, and other sources, are dissolved in water droplets and fall to the ground. Rain water tends to be most acidic in the northeastern U.S., and can have negative effects on our natural and built environments. For example, the US EPA estimates that up to 40 percent of nitrogen entering coastal waters along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts comes from the atmosphere. Too much nitrogen in these waters can lead to harmful overgrowth of algae and other “nuisance” plants. Acid rain can also damage buildings and monuments.

Viewer Tip: There are many ways individuals can help to reduce the sources of acid rain. Saving energy by turning off appliances when they’re not in use and choosing energy-efficient appliances can help to reduce our demand for energy. You can also reduce mobile sulfur and nitrogen emissions by driving less – carpool, take the bus or subway, walk, or bike to your destination whenever you can.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: US EPA, Region 1. “Acid Rain in New England: Causes of Acid Rain;” US EPA, “Reducing Acid Rain.” http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/acidrain/reducing/)

Trip Chaining

administrator — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:21:11 +0000

When you start the car after it has been sitting for more than an hour, it produces five times more pollutants than it does when the engine is warm! Vehicles account for about 25 percent of the nation’s air pollution, which can damage sensitive plant life, trigger asthma and other health problems, and contribute to acid rain.

Viewer Tip: Reduce your impact on air quality by trip-chaining. Shopping, picking up kids, doctor’s visits and other personal activities account for about 45 percent of all trips. By combining your errands into one trip, you’ll reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, and save time. Headed to a location nearby? Consider leaving your car at home and walk, instead.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: US Department of Transportation, It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air: www.italladdsup.gov)