Acidification of rain-water is identified as one of the most serious environmental problems of transboundary nature. Acid rain is mainly a mixture of sulphuric and nitric acids depending upon the relative quantities of oxides of sulphur and nitrogen emissions. Due to the interaction of these acids with other constituents of the atmosphere, protons are released causing increase in the soil acidity Lowering of soil pH mobilizes and leaches away nutrient cations and increases availability of toxic heavy metals. Such changes in the soil chemical characteristics reduce the soil fertility which ultimately causes the negative impact on growth and productivity of forest trees and crop plants. Acidification of water bodies causes large scale negative impact on aquatic organisms including fishes. Acidification has some indirect effects on human health also. Acid rain affects each and every components of ecosystem. Acid rain also damages man-made materials and structures. By reducing the emission of the precursors of acid rain and to some extent by liming, the problem of acidification of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem has been reduced during last two decades.

Acid rain and its ecological consequences.

There is a great resurgence of interest all over the world in the development of ‘small’ hydropower systems (SHS). The surge is essentially propelled by the belief that SHS, which include mini, micro, and picahydel systems, are a source of clean energy with little or no adverse impacts on the environment. This paper presents an overview of SHS and then examines in detail whether the prevalent belief in the great environment-friendliness of SHS is really justified. It is brought out that widespread use of SHS is likely to cause, per kilowatt of power generated, no less significantly adverse environmental impacts than large hydropower systems and some other conventional sources of energy. While supporting the ongoing global efforts to maximize the use of SHS, the authors advocate much greater circumspection than is being exercised at present vis-a-vis SHS. The authors believe that if the likely pitfalls are foreseen before SHS are put to widespread use, and remedial measures taken accordingly, it may save the world from considerable disillusionment and environmental damage.

Small hydro and the environmental implications of its extensive utilization

shape Byrsonima sericea DC. (Malpighiaceae), shape Cordia verbenacea DC. (Boraginaceae) and shape Psidium guineense SW. (Myrtaceae) were studied in two experimental sites: a restinga forest fragment, near an iron pelletization factory (mining area) and a restinga conservation unit “Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park”. The aims were verify the effects of emissions from a pelletization factory on some anatomical and physiological parameters and on absorption and accumulation of particulate iron by the leaves. A protocol was adjusted using Prussian blue reaction to histochemical detection of iron. Comparing the same species in two locals, shape C. verbenacea was the greatest accumulator of metallic iron, whereas shape B. sericea presented greater content of sulphur in mining area. The greater leaf contents of metallic iron may be related to the adhesion of the particles deposited on the leaves and to the characteristics of the covering tissue and the leaf. The foliar parameters evaluated in addition to soil analysis and atmospheric precipitation data indicated that the effects of particulate deposition occurred due foliar uptake. Structural characteristics such as peltate trichomes of leaf abaxial surface in shape B. sericea and hypodermis observed in shape B. sericea (one layer) and shape P. guineense (3--4 layers), probably formed a barrier lessening the penetration of metallic iron into the mesophyll as evidenced by the lower iron leaf content and iron accumulation in trichomes observed in these two species. In leaves of shape C. verbenacea occurred a positive reaction for iron in trichomes, epidermic cells at both faces, stomata, some xylem cells, collenchyma and endodermis at the midrib, and mesophyll tissues. The obtained data indicated that the unit conservation is also under pollution impact.

Responses of restinga plant species to pollution from an iron pelletization factory

Direct effect of acid rain on leaf chlorophyll content of terrestrial plants in China.

The potential of exergy analysis for environment, ecology and sustainable development implications are reviewed in this study. There is perfect relationship between environment, ecology and sustainable development. If a proper balance is maintained among these three aspects then exergy for the welfare of human being is obtained. Efficient energy use which requires exergy analysis is a key solution to the environmental problems. A primary aim of minimizing the environmental impact is to increase the efficiency and decrease the related overall environmental impacts such as global warming, ozone depletion, and acid rain. This study has been written with a view to draw attention and to examine the range of views for integration of exergy for environment, ecology and sustainable development. Much of the information presented in this study is basically to acquire an understanding of exergy relations with environment, ecology and sustainable development. This study will be useful for those involved in exergy activities and planning.

Exergy for environment, ecology and sustainable development

Effects of simulated acid rain on the foliar micromorphology and anatomy of tree tropical species

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Interacao de fibras e elementos de vasos de polpa kraft de eucalipto com tintas de impressao offset

In order to correlate sintomatology with anatomical alterations caused by acid rain in leaves of tropical species, seedlings and saplings of Spondias dulcis Forst. F., Mimosa artemisiana Heringer and Paula and Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng.) Harms were exposed to simulated lowpH acid rain (pH 3.0). Control plants were submitted only to rain with distilled water (pH 6.0). The plants were exposed daily to the acid rain for 20 min for 10 consecutive days. Necrotic spots on the leaf blade occurred and most of the injuries onset on the epidermis in all species studied. S. dulcis displayed epicuticular wax erosion and rupture of epidermis. The abaxial surface of M. artemisiana was colonized by a mass of fungi hyphae and stomatal outer ledge rupture occurred. Some epidermal cells of G. integrifolia showed appearance similar to plasmolysis. The plants accumulated phenolic compounds in necrotic areas. Afterwards, leaves presented injuries in the mesophyll and collapsed completely. Cells surrounding the injured areas accumulated starch grains in S. dulcis. M. artemisiana showed more drastic symptom intensity in response to acidic rain. S. dulcis displayed visual symptoms similar to G. integrifolia, however, anatomical alterations were more severe. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of simulated acid rain on the foliar micromorphology and anatomy of tree tropical species Bruno Francisco Sant'Anna-Santos a , Luzimar Campos da Silva a,∗ ,

Ericka Figueiredo Alves

Papers

Effects of simulated acid rain on the foliar micromorphology and anatomy of tree tropical species

Interacao de fibras e elementos de vasos de polpa kraft de eucalipto com tintas de impressao offset

Effects of simulated acid rain on the foliar micromorphology and anatomy of tree tropical species Bruno Francisco Sant'Anna-Santos a , Luzimar Campos da Silva a,∗ ,