How Acid Rain Affects Fruits & Vegetables

Acid rain is mostly caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which combine with moisture in the atmosphere, resulting in an increase in the acidity of precipitation. While there are natural sources of acidifying chemicals, the majority come from energy-generating plants which burn fossil fuels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately two-thirds of sulfur dioxide and one-fourth of nitrogen oxide emissions come from power plants.

Significance

Plant damage from acid rain is widespread, with prevailing winds transporting emissions far from their source, up to 300 to 750 miles downwind according to EPA estimates.

Effects

Acid rain weakens plant tissues and slows photosynthesis, or food production, thereby stressing plants and compromising their ability to produce fruits and vegetables.

Acidic Soil

While some plants can tolerate the acidic conditions produced by acid rain better than others, acidic soil conditions can interfere with a plant's ability to take up water, an essential raw material of fruits and vegetables as well as of basic plant metabolism.

Considerations

To decrease acid rain and its debilitating effects, fossil fuel emissions must be controlled, but even then, cleanup and recovery of habitats can take years.

Warning

While agricultural management practices can lessen the effects on food crops, the use of fertilizers can further negatively impact aquatic resources by way of agricultural runoff, which can cause algae blooms and fish kills.

References

• Sulfur Emissions and Midwest Power Plants
• What is Acid Rain and What Causes It?
• What is Acid Rain?

Resources

• Acid Rain