How does Acid Rain Affect Plants?

Acid rain is precipitation with acidic components which have resulted from the burning of fossil fuels. Nitrogen and sulphur gases are released as a result of combustion, especially in regions where industrialization is intense, and fossil fuels are used as energy consumption. These gases react with water vapour in the clouds to produce sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids reach the earth as a result of natural events such as snow, rain, dew and fog.

The pH value of rain occurring under normal conditions is 5.6. Precipitation with a value below this value is called acid rain. Acid rain has negative effects on plants. Plants fed with acidic water dry out. It has been observed that acid rain harms plants and the environment because it prevents the intake of minerals necessary for plant growth and development.

This video tutorial can easily be incorporated into science and geography lessons. Teachers can include this to teach about the consequences of air pollution. Acid rain is an abstract concept for students. With this video, it becomes easier for students to understand acid rain. This project is interdisciplinary and includes

• mathematics (presenting results and analysing data),
• communication skills (communicating and writing about environmental problems),
• science (providing suggestions for solving an environmental problem in the immediate environment, addressing environmental problems that may occur in the future as a result of human activities).

Students will develop critical thinking skills, communication abilities and environmental awareness.

With this worksheet, students will learn about the causes of acid rain and its negative impact is on plants.

You can download it as docx and pdf file.

Acid rain can occur as a result of natural processes like volcanic activities, but the principal cause are human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. Nowadays, acid rain still falls in various parts of Europe, North America and Asia, but not nearly as frequently as during the 1970s and 1980s. ¹

The most important gases causing acid rain are nitrogen and sulphur oxides. After these gases mix with the atmosphere, they turn into nitric and sulfuric acid as a result of various reactions.

A scale called pH is used to describe the acidity of liquids. According to this scale, the pH value of acids is less than 7 and the pH value of bases is higher than 7. The pH value of pure water, which is neither acidic nor basic, but neutral, is 7. The lower the pH value of a substance, the more acidic the substance is.

Pot 1, which is watered with neutral water, serves as a control. Pot 2 is watered with slightly acidic water, representing the pH of normal rain, which is around 5.6. For pot 3 we use only vinegar to simulate the effects of acid rain, which has a pH of less than 5.6. Acid rain can have damaging effects on the leaf, stem, roots and soil.

Depending on the learning styles and preferences of your students, you can try these suggestions.

• Students can plan an experiment in which they test the resistance of different plants to acid rain. Then they can try to answer the question: Can the effects of acid rain vary depending on plant species?
• Students can make a graphic record of the whole experiment, like a comic strip. They can start with the lentil seed and work their way to the growth of the plant and show what happens to it when watered with an acidic solution.
• Students can build their own flipbook showing the growth of a seed into a full-grown plant.
• Students can write and illustrate a story about the life of a little seed or make a theatre play.

By exploring this experimental activity, children not only discover the impacts of climate change, but can also be inspired to consider future careers in environmental protection. This could be a good opportunity to spark interest in professions that seek to understand and find solutions to climate change, such as an agricultural engineer and environmental laboratory technician.

Agricultural engineer

Agricultural engineers work to optimise crop production, improve soil health, and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.

Agricultural engineers video

What is an agricultural engineer?
An agricultural engineer is a scientist who studies plants and soil to help farmers grow crops more efficiently. Agricultural engineers work on farms, research institutions, and agricultural companies to develop sustainable farming practices and solve challenges related to agriculture.

What does a day in the life of an agricultural engineer look like?
Agricultural engineers often work outside, in the countryside, visiting farms to analyse the state of the soil and crops. They also work closely with farmers and discuss with them to find the best way to crop and harvest efficiently. They may collaborate with other scientists and policymakers to address global food security issues and to promote sustainable farming practices.

What responsibilities do they have?
One of the main responsibilities of agricultural engineers is to ensure that crops are grown in a way that is environmentally sustainable and economically viable.

Environmental laboratory technician

Environmental laboratory technicians conduct water quality testing, analyse hazardous waste, and prepare samples for testing. They also calibrate and operate lab equipment, document results, and perform quality control and assurance procedures.

Environmental science and protection technician video

What is an environmental laboratory technician?
Environmental laboratory technicians are scientists who work in a laboratory to analyse samples from the environment. They analyse various samples such as water, soil, and air samples to search for pollutants and contaminants. Environmental laboratory technicians use a variety of specialized equipment and techniques to detect harmful substances. Through their work, they ensure that our environment is safe for everyone.

What does a day in the life of an environmental laboratory technician look like?
Environmental laboratory technicians can work with different samples like air, water, or soil. They measure temperatures, mix substances, put labels on samples, use microscopes to see something that is very small, and other instruments to do analyses. During their day they can analyse data using specific computer programs and can meet with other technicians to share their findings.

What responsibilities do they have?
Environmental laboratory technicians may work for government agencies, environmental consulting firms, or private laboratories. It is their responsibility to perform analyses in accordance with certain standards to ensure that the results are reliable. Through this, they enable their institutions to act to protect the environment.