Effects

Lakes are particularly affected by accumulations of sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which render the water bodies too acid [reduces the pH].

Northern countries such as Canada and Sweden are affected because they have a humid climate [with a substantial number of lakes], and are located downwind of industrial countries that burn lots of sulphurous coal [the U.S. upwind of Canada, and the U.K. upwind of Sweden].

Normal rain is slightly acidic because of carbon dioxide dissolves into it, so its pH is about 5.5.

The most acidic rainfall falling on the U.S. has been measured at pH = 4.3.

Solutions

Use coal containing less sulphur.

Use scrubbers to chemically remove the sulphur compounds from the gases before leaving the smokestack.

Burn natural gas instead of coal containing sulphur.

Add limestone to acidified lakes [a short-term solution, because it has to be repeated to be effective].

Use catalytic converters to reduce NO_x emissions from cars.