Why Does Acid Rain Causes Damage To Marble Statues

In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened.

Why does acid rain causes damage to marble statues.

When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. This process occurs at the surface of the buildings or monuments. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details.

Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic meaning that it has elevated levels of hydrogen ions low ph it can have harmful effects on plants aquatic animals and infrastructure. Not only does acid rain aggressively dissolve calcium in stone but it corrodes certain types of metal. Acid rain dissolves limestone marble cement and sandstone. How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings.

Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. Acid rain stains and etches granite and corrodes metals like bronze. Vulnerable metals include bronze copper nickel zinc and certain types of steel.

Many severe effects of air pollution on materials and structures come from acid rain. The degree of damage is determined not only by the acidity of the rainwater but also by the amount of water flow. Acid rain can damage buildings and bridges with metallic parts that are exposed to rain and fog.