MCQ Detailed View

Soil pollution occurs when the natural composition of soil is disturbed due to the addition of harmful substances. One of the main causes of soil pollution is acid rain. Acid rain is formed when industrial emissions, such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), react with water vapor in the atmosphere to produce sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When these acids fall on soil, they increase its acidity.

High acidity in soil negatively affects the nutrient balance. Essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are leached away, reducing soil fertility. Plants growing in acidified soil may experience stunted growth, poor yields, or even die due to nutrient deficiency. Acid rain also affects soil microorganisms, disrupting the natural ecosystem and reducing the soil’s ability to decompose organic matter.

Other options like aerosols, ozone, and PAN (peroxyacetyl nitrate) have environmental impacts but are not the main contributors to soil pollution. Aerosols mainly affect air quality, ozone is more relevant to the stratospheric protective layer or urban smog, and PAN is a component of photochemical smog.

Understanding the impact of acid rain is important in environmental chemistry. It demonstrates how atmospheric pollution directly affects terrestrial ecosystems. Industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and the burning of fossil fuels are primary sources of acid rain. Reducing these emissions and implementing soil protection measures are critical to preventing soil degradation.

Acid rain changes the chemical structure of soil, making it unsuitable for agriculture and natural vegetation. Its effect on soil pH, nutrient leaching, and microbial activity makes it the main cause of soil pollution, highlighting the link between air pollution and environmental health