What Are The Consequences For Marble Statues In Acid Rain

Acid rain has corrosive effects because it eats into metals and stone.

What are the consequences for marble statues in acid rain.

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. As a result it has led to weathering of buildings corrosion of metals and peeling of paints on surfaces. A major concern motivating research in acid rain materials effects has been the potential for damage to cultural heritage particularly outdoor marble and bronze sculpture. It is well established that either wet or dry deposition of sulfur dioxide significantly increases the rate of corrosion on limestone sandstone and marble.

Building structures made of marble and limestone are mostly affected by acid rain as the acid eats the calcium compounds in the structures. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details. Marble and limestone have long been preferred materials for constructing durable buildings and monuments.

However a combination of field and laboratory studies has failed to show a correlation between rain ph and loss of materials. Atmospheric pollutants are easily moved by wind currents so acid rain effects are felt far from where pollutants are generated. Architects chose limestone marble steel and brass as durable materials intended to resist the elements. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive.

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. How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings. Acid rain is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide which react with the water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids.

Acid rain effects on buildings acids have a corrosive effect on limestone or marble buildings or sculptures. Dry deposition of acidic compounds can also dirty buildings and other structures leading to increased maintenance costs. Stone buildings and monuments in acid rain. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves.