Calcium Carbonate Marble Acid Rain

How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings.

Calcium carbonate marble acid rain.

Acid rain has the following reaction with the marble calcium carbonate. Caco 3 h 2 so 4 caso 4 h 2 o co 2 the formation of calcium sulphate results in the corrosion of this beautiful monument. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details. Acids in acid rain promote the dissolution of calcium carbonate by reacting with the carbonate anion.

Limestone is one familiar form of calcium carbonate. Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways. This produces a solution of bicarbonate. Nevertheless the acids contained in the acid rain are capable to transform caco 3 by chemical reactions into soluble salts which are washed away giving rise to the formation of holes on the surface of the artifacts due to loss of material.

A chemical reaction equation 9 between calcium carbonate and sulfuric acid the primary acid component of acid rain results in the dissolution of caco. How does this happen. Calcium carbonate the main component of marble is not soluble in water. It is well established that either wet or dry deposition of sulfur dioxide significantly increases the rate of corrosion on limestone sandstone and marble.

Acid rain effects on buildings acids have a corrosive effect on limestone or marble buildings or sculptures. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. Although these are recognized as highly durable materials buildings and outdoor monuments made of marble and limestone are now being gradually eroded away by acid rain. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive.

Calcium carbonate chemically reacts with acids the main acid in acid rain is sulphuric acid formed from sulphur dioxide emissions to form a salt e g. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves.