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Which air pollutants are mainly responsible for acid rain?

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Effects of acid rain — Acid rain Forest dieback caused by acid rain in the Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic.

The primary air pollutants responsible for acid rain are sulfur dioxide (SO $_{2}$ ) and nitrogen oxides (NO $_{x}$ , which includes NO and NO $_{2}$ ).12

These pollutants are released into the atmosphere primarily through the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas in power plants, vehicles, and industrial facilities. Once in the atmosphere, these gases undergo chemical reactions with water and oxygen to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then mix with cloud moisture to fall as acid rain. Additionally, particulate matter can contribute to the formation of acid rain, which alters the pH balance of waterways and damages foliage, buildings, and monuments.13

While natural sources like volcanic eruptions and lightning can release these substances, human-driven fossil-fuel combustion remains the primary cause of the widespread environmental acidification observed in many regions.12