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Sulfuric Acid Chemistry
Two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom and two atoms of oxygen make up the chemical composition of sulfuric acid. This composition is described with the scientific formula H2SO4. Plants or animals that are directly exposed to sulfuric acid experience chemical burns, but when it is introduced into the atmosphere, sulfuric acid is partially neutralized, making its negative environmental effects more gradual.
Sulfuric Acid in the Atmosphere
The vast majority of sulfuric acid in the atmosphere is created as a byproduct of fossil fuel consumption. Burning coal, for example, releases sulfur oxides into the atmosphere. Those sulfur oxides react with the water vapor in the atmosphere, creating sulfuric acid that eventually falls to Earth's surface as acid deposition, also known as acid rain. Fossil fuel-powered utility plants cause about 70 percent of acid deposition, according to the Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium.
Acid Deposition
Composed of both sulfuric acid and nitric acid dissolved in atmospheric water vapor, acid deposition can be wet or dry. Wet deposition includes acid rain, snow or fog, while dry deposition consists of gases or acidic salts. In addition to fossil fuel-burning power plants, industrial processes and automobiles are major contributors to the accumulation of sulfuric and nitric acids in the atmosphere.
Environmental Effects
Acid deposition affects the environment in several different ways. Acidification is a phenomenon in which acid deposition acidifies lakes and streams, harming fish, plants and other aquatic wildlife. Side effects of acidic deposition include soil acidification and increased ozone at ground level, both of which contribute to forest damage. Acid deposition also leaches important nutrients from the ground, reducing soil fertility. In addition, sulfuric acid's corrosive effects can increase the weathering rate of buildings and monuments.