Question

How will you explain the fact that Vermont and New hemisphere states with very low sulphur dioxide emission, experience acid levels that are among the most severe in the country?

Answer 1

The causes of acidity include atmospheric deposition, which is widespread throughout Vermont, and runoff of so-called “acid mine leachate,” which is much more localized. The sources of atmospheric deposition include a wide variety of industrial and mobile sources that emit nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides.

1. Industries for example- coal-fired power plants, waste combustors, and utility boilers are all stationary sources of acidity to the atmosphere.
2. Transportation sources such as cars and trucks account for over half of the nitrogen oxide emissions.
3. Excessive mining operations are the source of acidity from mine leachate.

New Hampshire’s water bodies are especially vulnerable to the impacts of acid deposition because of the following reasons:- 1. The state has a predominance of granite bedrock that is not rich in the minerals (e.g., limestone) that counteract the impacts of acid inputs.

2. High elevation lakes are especially affected because of their small watersheds, which are characterized by shallow-to-no soils and excess precipitation and fog.