Impact of Acid Rain on Plant Growth and Development

Abstract

Acidic rain is defined as a downpour or another type of rainfall that is very corrosive and includes a large amount of hydrogen ions (low pH). Acid rain occurs when sulphur monoxide and nitrogen oxide pollutants react with environmental moisture and moisture volatiles to produce acids. The majority of acid deposition is absorbed by flora and soils, which also acts as a sink. Rain is expected to impact monocotyledons less than dicots, although young rootlets, leaflets, and seedling are believed to be highly sensitive to lower pH conditions. It also affects the content and make-up of soil water, which is plants' and soil microorganisms' principal source of nutrients. Acidic rainwater penetrates the cuticle of leaves and has a substantial influence on plants. Acid rain usually reduces plant growth by increasing anomalies in plant metabolism, like sunlight, nitrogen, and sulphate digestion; although, they are a few exception. The current article covers research completed across the globe on the effects of acid rain on different agricultural plants' growth and reproduction, and calls for the creation of plant varieties adapted to acid rain-affected soils.