Calcium Carbonate Marble Acid Rain

It is well established that either wet or dry deposition of sulfur dioxide significantly increases the rate of corrosion on limestone sandstone and marble.

Calcium carbonate marble acid rain.

Acid rain effects on buildings acids have a corrosive effect on limestone or marble buildings or sculptures. Calcium sulphate water carbon dioxide gas. 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. Calcium carbonate the main component of marble is not soluble in water.

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. A chemical reaction equation 9 between calcium carbonate and sulfuric acid the primary acid component of acid rain results in the dissolution of caco. This produces a solution of bicarbonate. How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings.

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula ca co 3 it is a common substance found in rocks as the minerals calcite and aragonite most notably as limestone which is a type of sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcite and is the main component of pearls and the shells of marine organisms snails and eggs calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in agricultural lime and. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. Because surface waters are in equilibrium with atmospheric carbon dioxide there is a constant concentration of carbonic acid h 2 co 3 in the water. How does this happen.

Limestone is one familiar form of calcium carbonate. 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. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways.

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.