Consider the following statements with reference to Acid Rain:
1. Excessive fertilization leads to Acid Rain.
2. Limestone rich soils are more susceptible to Acid Rain.
3. Ozone contributes to the amplification of Acid Rain.

How many of the above statements are correct ?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Question

Consider the following statements with reference to Acid Rain:
1. Excessive fertilization leads to Acid Rain.
2. Limestone rich soils are more susceptible to Acid Rain.
3. Ozone contributes to the amplification of Acid Rain.

How many of the above statements are correct ?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: Agricultural fertilization and nitrogen-fixing plants contribute to atmospheric NO2 by enhancing microbial nitrogen fixation. Excess NO2 leads to acid rain, which lowers soil pH, increasing its acidity.

Statement 2 is not correct: Areas with limestone or other alkaline rock bases are less susceptible as these rocks can neutralize the acids in the rain, a process known as buffering. On the other hand, areas with granite or other non-alkaline rock bases lack this buffering capacity, making them more vulnerable to acid rain

Statement 3 is correct: Ozone reacts with sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NO2), accelerating their conversion into sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3). Tropospheric ozone (ground-level ozone) contributes to photochemical smog, which can enhance the formation of acid rain pollutants.

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements with reference to Acid Rain: 1. Excessive fertilization leads to Acid Rain. 2. Limestone rich soils are more susceptible to Acid Rain. 3. Ozone contributes to the amplification of Acid Rain. How many of the above statements are correct ? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None