Which of the following statement is correct regarding acid rains?
1. The value of pH falls to 5 or below, the rain is termed as acid rain.
2. Acid rain can acidify fresh water of lakes, reservoirs, springs, well.
Statement 1 is correct: While unpolluted rainwater is naturally slightly acidic with a pH of about 5.6 (due to dissolved carbon dioxide forming
weak carbonic acid), it is broadly defined as acid rain when its pH drops below 5.6. A value falling to 5 or below directly qualifies it as acid
rain, with typical acid rain averaging between 4 and 5.
Statement 2 is correct: When acid rain falls, it flows into runoff and directly enters aquatic ecosystems. It can severely acidify fresh water
bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, springs, and shallow wells, causing critical harm to fish and aquatic life.
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