Acid deposition and the associated particulate nitrates and sulfates are implicated in the deterioration of certain sensitive ecosystems, decreased visibility, negative human health effects, and increased degradation of certain stone building materials and cultural resources, especially those made of limestone and marble. Fine particulate nitrate and sulfate particles associated with acid deposition are implicated in aggravating cardiorespiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, especially in urban areas. In many cases estimating the impact of acid deposition on various ecosystems can be a difficult process because acid deposition is only one of many impacts that can effect a response. However, wet and dry acid deposition has been documented as a major factor in the following ecosystem responses. (more…)
The formation of acidic deposition is largely from the combustion of fossil fuels and the smelting of sulfide ores. Minor natur ...
The increased use of fossil energy since the industrial revolution, and especially since 1950, has been the major cause of incr ...
Although underground coal mines operations are not as visible as surface mining, their overall environmental impact can be greater ...
Historically, mining companies have extracted the earth’s resources wherever economics made it feasible, secure in their knowledge ...
