What is a primary environmental concern associated with acid rain?

Study for the IGCSE C10 Chemistry Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to get ready for your exam!

Acid rain poses significant risks to sensitive species and habitats, making this choice the most accurate representation of the primary environmental concern associated with it. Acid rain is formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere, reacting with water vapor and forming sulfuric and nitric acids. When these acids fall to the ground, they lower the pH of soil and water bodies, adversely affecting ecosystems.

Sensitive species, including many aquatic organisms such as fish and amphibians, can struggle to survive in more acidic environments. Acidic waters can leach essential minerals from the soil, disrupting plant growth and altering habitat dynamics. Moreover, these changes can lead to biodiversity loss, as species that cannot adapt or migrate may die off. Consequently, the additional stress on these organisms and their habitats highlights the detrimental impacts of acid rain on the environment.

The other options do not address the main issues directly related to acid rain. For instance, increased oxygen levels in water bodies is not typically associated with acid rain; in fact, acid rain can decrease oxygen levels in some cases. While destruction of infrastructure can occur due to acid rain's corrosive effects, it is not primarily an environmental concern but rather an economic one. Additionally, acid rain does not improve air quality; rather

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