Acid Rain

Acid rain is an environmental issue caused by air pollution. This unit explores how acid rain forms through chemical reactions involving pollutants and water molecules in the air. Students model and discuss the harmful effects of acid rain on our living and non-living environment, and how engineering approaches help reduce the effects of acid rain.

Environmental and chemical engineers examine pollutants to help them determine the kind of impact it may have on human health and the environment. For example, the effects of acid rain include damage to water, wildlife, plants, forests, crops, buildings, statues, bridges and vehicles. In response, engineers develop useful technologies to alleviate pollution sources, such as catalytic converters that remove certain poisonous gases from vehicle exhaust fumes.