What is formed by the emission of pollutant oxides in the air?

The emission of pollutant oxides, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), contributes to the formation of acid rain. When these gases are released into the atmosphere, they can react with water vapor, oxygen, and other trace chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids then fall to the ground as precipitation, which can lead to various environmental issues, such as soil and water body acidification, harm to aquatic life, and damage to forests. Acid rain affects ecosystems and can also erode buildings and monuments, particularly those made of limestone and marble.

Water pollution, greenhouse gases, and heavy metals are related environmental concerns but are distinct from the process involving the formation of acid rain. Water pollution typically involves contaminants entering water bodies, greenhouse gases are related to climate change and primarily consist of gases like carbon dioxide and methane, and heavy metals refer to toxic trace elements from various sources, which are not directly linked to the specific process of forming acid rain through pollutant oxides.