Why Does Acid Rain Erode Marble

Acid rain contains carbonic nitric and sulfuric acid that are produced by oxidation and dissolution in water of gaseous oxides co 2 no 2 and so 2 present in the air as chemical pollutants.

Why does acid rain erode marble.

Acid rains are one of the main degradation agents for marble artifacts. Marble is mainly calcium carbonate. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings.

Acid rain is a byproduct of both natural and man made conditions. Or if there is more acid two hydrogen ions will. Acid rain effects on buildings. Acidic precipitation can be caused by natural volcanoes and man made activities such as from cars and in the generation of electricity.

It is well established that either wet or dry deposition of sulfur dioxide significantly increases the rate of corrosion on limestone sandstone and marble. Igneous and metamorphic rocks exposed to acid rain can poison ecosystems. In the atmosphere rain mixes with carbon dioxide nitrous oxide and sulfuric dioxide to form acid rain. Limestone is mostly made up of the mineral calcium carbonate caco3.

In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details. This is not very soluble so rocks don t dissolve very quickly. Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways. Erosion due to dissolution.

Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. Acids have a corrosive effect on limestone or marble buildings or sculptures. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. Acid rain s ability to dissolve marble and limestone makes it hazardous to buildings and outdoor monuments.

These constituents may occur naturally from processes such as volcanic eruptions and the oxidation of rocks or their presence in. Field investigations of acidic deposition effects on limestone and marble. Marble like all calcareous rocks is particularly sensitive to degradation by acid chemicals and to weathering. But if you add an acid you add hydrogen ions h which will react with the carbonate to form hydrogen carbonate hco3 ions which are very soluble in water and the limestone will dissolve.

Sulfur dioxide plus water makes sulfurous acid. Acid rain is composed of sulfuric acid h2so4 or nitric acid hno3 formed as secondary pollutants from so2 other sulfur oxides and nitrogen monoxide no.