How does burning coal contribute to acid rain?

Burning coal contributes to acid rain primarily through the release of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) during the combustion process.123

When these pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere, they react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃). These acids subsequently mix with cloud moisture, significantly lowering the pH of precipitation, which then falls to the Earth's surface as acid rain.12

Because these gases can be transported by winds over long distances, the environmental impact of coal-burning power plants and industrial facilities often extends far beyond the immediate area of the emission source. To mitigate these harmful effects, many facilities employ flue gas treatment technologies, such as scrubbers, to remove sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides before they are released into the air.234