Acid rain: commentary on controversial issues and observations on the role of fuel burning Page: 14 of 214
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Acid rain is occurring.
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It has gained significant attention since the 1950's.
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It is derived from sulfur oxides (SO ), nitrogen oxides (NO^),
chlorides, and possibly other pollutants in the air.
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It is caused primarily by manmade activities in industrialized
areas.
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Fuel burning is the most important manmade activity contributing
to acid rain.
Some controversy and legitimate uncertainty exist regarding other
aspects of the acid rain issue, especially those pertaining to sources,
formation, effects, and control. Following are some examples:
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Whether acid rain is increasing and/or spreading to new areas
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The relative importance of sources burning petroleum fuels com-
pared with those burning coal
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The importance of large, coal-burning, electric power plants
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The role of natural sources and the natural acidity of rain
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Atmospheric transport, transformation, and deposition mechanisms
leading to formation of acids from precursor pollutants
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Whether acid rain is a global phenomenon, in the sense that the
release of precursor pollutants in industrialized areas of the
world can contribute to acid rain in areas very remote from all
sources of manmade pollution
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Accuracy of the methods for measurement of acid rain, and adequacy
of data for documentation of acid precipitation
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The effects of acid rain on public health, the environment, and
property
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Methods of controlling acid rain and mitigating its effects
Resolving these uncertainties will require much more information than
is now available regarding acid rain formation and transport phenomena, as
well as substantial improvements in monitoring, data collection, and data
analysis. In terms of technical progress, investigations of acid rain,
which date back only a few years, are still in the developmental stage.
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Szabo, M. F.; Esposito, M. P. & Spaite, P. W. Acid rain: commentary on controversial issues and observations on the role of fuel burning, report, March 1, 1982; United States. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1068191/m1/14/?rotate=270: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.