Acid rain is formed when sulfur dioxide SO2 and nitrogen oxides NOx are released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions. These gases react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid H2SO4 and nitric acid HNO3 , which then fall to the ground as acid rain.Chemical reactions involved in the formation of acid rain:1. Sulfur dioxide SO2 reacts with water vapor H2O and oxygen O2 to form sulfuric acid H2SO4 :SO2 + H2O + 1/2 O2 H2SO42. Nitrogen oxides NOx react with water vapor H2O and oxygen O2 to form nitric acid HNO3 :NO + 1/2 O2 NO22NO2 + H2O HNO3 + HNO2HNO2 + 1/2 O2 HNO3Impact of acid rain on soil and water quality:1. pH: Acid rain lowers the pH of soil and water bodies, making them more acidic. This can lead to the leaching of essential nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium, from the soil and negatively affect the growth of plants. In aquatic ecosystems, a lower pH can be harmful to aquatic organisms, especially those with calcium carbonate shells, as it can cause dissolution and weaken their shells.2. Nutrient availability: Acid rain can cause the release of aluminum ions from soil particles, which can be toxic to plants and aquatic life. It can also lead to the leaching of essential nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium, from the soil, making them less available for plants and affecting their growth.3. Overall health of aquatic ecosystems: Acid rain can have a detrimental effect on the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. Lower pH levels can cause stress to aquatic organisms, leading to reduced growth, reproduction, and survival rates. It can also lead to the loss of biodiversity, as some species are more sensitive to changes in pH than others.Potential solutions or mitigation strategies for reducing the incidence and severity of acid rain:1. Emission reduction: Implementing stricter regulations on emissions from industries, power plants, and vehicles can help reduce the release of SO2 and NOx into the atmosphere. This can be achieved through the use of cleaner fuels, more efficient combustion processes, and the installation of pollution control devices, such as scrubbers and catalytic converters.2. Alternative energy sources: Encouraging the use of alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, can help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and decrease the emissions of SO2 and NOx.3. Reforestation and afforestation: Planting trees and promoting the growth of vegetation can help absorb some of the excess CO2 in the atmosphere, which can help reduce the formation of acid rain.4. Liming: Adding limestone CaCO3 or other alkaline materials to soil or water bodies can help neutralize the acidity caused by acid rain. This can help restore the pH balance and improve the health of affected ecosystems. However, this is only a temporary solution and does not address the root cause of acid rain.5. Public awareness and education: Raising public awareness about the causes and effects of acid rain can help promote more sustainable practices and encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies and alternative energy sources.