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First teaching 2015

Last exams 2025

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Pollution Management Strategies for Acid Deposition (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)) : Revision Note

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

Pollution Management Strategies for Acid Deposition

  • Acid deposition requires effective pollution management strategies to mitigate its harmful effects on the environment and human health

    • These strategies involve altering human activities, regulating pollutant release, and implementing clean-up and restoration measures

Altering Human Activity

  • Reducing the consumption of fossil fuels is a key strategy to minimise acid deposition

    • Encouraging the use of alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy, can significantly reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen

  • International agreements and national governments play a vital role in promoting sustainable practices, supporting the development of clean technologies, and lobbying for emission reduction

Regulating and Monitoring Pollutant Release

  • Government regulations and monitoring systems are essential to control and reduce the release of pollutants that contribute to acid deposition

    • Coal-burning power plants and vehicles are major sources of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions

    • Installing pollution control devices such as scrubbers and catalytic converters can effectively remove these pollutants from emissions

Clean-up and Restoration Measures

  • In areas heavily affected by acid deposition, clean-up and restoration measures may be implemented to mitigate the damage caused

    • For example, spreading ground limestone or lime in acidified lakes and rivers can neutralise acidity and restore the water's pH balance

  • Restoring damaged ecosystems can also be achieved through recolonisation efforts, such as planting acid-tolerant vegetation

    • This can help to restore some measure of ecological balance to these damaged ecosystems

Limitations

  • While clean-up and restoration measures have shown some success, their scope is limited

    • Applying ground limestone or recolonising ecosystems can be extremely expensive and logistically challenging, making it difficult to address acid deposition on a large scale

    • Prevention through emission reduction is more effective and sustainable in the long term

  • Implementing these pollution management strategies for acid deposition requires a combination of international cooperation, national regulations, technological advancements, and public awareness

  • By reducing the emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, and implementing measures to restore affected ecosystems, the adverse effects of acid deposition can be minimised

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies Content Creator

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

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