Atmospheric deposition is the pollution of water caused by air pollution.
- In the atmosphere, water particles mix with carbon dioxide sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, this forms a weak acid.
- Air pollution means that water vapour absorbs more of these gases and becomes even more acidic.
- When it rains the water is polluted with these gases, this is called acid rain.
- When acid rain pollutes marine habitats such as rivers and lakes, aquatic life is harmed.
