Which pollutants are primarily associated with acid deposition via long-range transport?

Which pollutants are primarily associated with acid deposition via long-range transport?

• A. PM and ozone.
• B. Sulfate and nitrate from sulfur and nitrogen pollutants.
• C. Methane and nitrous oxide.
• D. Carbon monoxide and lead.

Answer: (B)

Acid deposition over long distances is driven by sulfur and nitrogen compounds that travel in the atmosphere and react to form acids. Emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from burning fossil fuels are carried away by winds, oxidize in the atmosphere, and become sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids attach to fine particles or dissolve in precipitation, creating sulfate and nitrate that are deposited far from the original source. That’s why the pollutants most closely linked to long-range acid deposition are sulfate and nitrate derived from sulfur and nitrogen emissions. Other options involve pollutants that drive smog, greenhouse effects, or direct metal and carbon monoxide pollution, but they aren’t the primary agents of acid rain formed over long distances.

Acid deposition over long distances is driven by sulfur and nitrogen compounds that travel in the atmosphere and react to form acids. Emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from burning fossil fuels are carried away by winds, oxidize in the atmosphere, and become sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids attach to fine particles or dissolve in precipitation, creating sulfate and nitrate that are deposited far from the original source. That’s why the pollutants most closely linked to long-range acid deposition are sulfate and nitrate derived from sulfur and nitrogen emissions. Other options involve pollutants that drive smog, greenhouse effects, or direct metal and carbon monoxide pollution, but they aren’t the primary agents of acid rain formed over long distances.