What is the main adverse effect of sulfur dioxide on the environment?

The primary adverse effect of sulfur dioxide on the environment is that it causes acid rain, which can significantly damage ecosystems. When sulfur dioxide is released into the atmosphere, it reacts with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid. This acid can then fall to the ground as precipitation, lowering the pH of soil and water bodies. The resulting acid rain can harm plants by leaching vital nutrients from the soil and damaging leaves, while also negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems by altering the chemical composition of streams and lakes. This process can lead to the decline of biodiversity as many species are sensitive to changes in their pH levels.

In contrast, while sulfur dioxide does play a role in atmospheric chemistry, it is not directly responsible for ozone depletion, global warming, or increasing harmful ultraviolet radiation levels. These issues are linked to other pollutants and their specific interactions in the atmosphere.